On Monday, there was a sense of celebration in Israel as rumors circulated that Hamas had released 20 Israeli hostages to the Red Cross, coinciding with US President Donald Trump’s arrival in Israel, where he was set to address Congress.
“Trump’s arrival feels like a win, which isn’t surprising,” commented an analyst from Israeli Army Radio.
Recently, President Trump facilitated an agreement in which Israel released 250 Palestinian prisoners, sending them off on buses while awaiting the return of the Israeli hostages.
In Gaza, the hostages were released in three groups, handed over first to the Red Cross before being transferred to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The initial group of seven reached Israel, and some were able to contact their families beforehand.
As the situation unfolded, President Trump monitored the proceedings from Air Force One. The control tower at Ben Gurion International Airport expressed gratitude to him and the United States.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog welcomed Trump upon his arrival, and they made their way to Jerusalem while the hostage releases took place.
In Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, many gathered, some celebrating the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which holds a tradition of dreams coming true on its sixth day (Monday).
At the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, attendees received red hats with “Make America Great Again,” playfully stating “Make Trump a President of Peace,” as noted by Times of Israel.
It was undoubtedly shaping up to be one of the most joyous days in the nation’s history.
“Two years later, and there are no Israeli hostages in Gaza,” was announced by Army Radio, and as the last group of 20 hostages crossed back into Israel, there were tears, dancing, and singing as people awaited President Trump’s words.
