Trump’s Bold Declaration as Exchanges Begin
In a dramatic turn of events, US President Donald Trump declared that the war is over as Israel and Hamas prepared to execute a large-scale hostage and prisoner exchange. The plan envisions Hamas releasing all surviving hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a move that observers say could shape the next phase of Middle East diplomacy. Trump’s rapid itinerary to the region, including a summit with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, underscores the urgency of translating ceasefire rhetoric into tangible steps on the ground.
From aboard Air Force One, Trump framed the ceasefire as a watershed moment and signaled confident expectations about the durability of the arrangements. “The war is over. Okay? You understand that?” he told reporters, positioning his visit as a victory lap for brokering a 20-point peace plan announced last month. His appearance in Israel is slated to include meetings with hostages’ families and a speech before the Knesset, as momentum for a broader peace framework gathers pace.
The Mechanics of the Exchange
Under the roadmap outlined by U.S. negotiators, the immediate focuses are the transfer of living hostages and the release of roughly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. Israeli officials indicated that all 20 living hostages could be released to the Red Cross as early as Monday morning, marking a turning point after years of conflict and captivity. The exchange also involves the handling of the 47 hostages who remain missing or deceased from the Oct. 7, 2023 assault, with Hamas expected to provide remains.
Analysts note that the process has not been without controversy. Hamas reportedly pressed to include seven senior Palestinian leaders on the list of those to be freed, a demand that Israel has publicly resisted. Despite the bargaining tensions, sources close to the talks say the parties have completed the essential preparations needed to finalize the transfer of the living hostages.
What Comes After the Exchange?
One of the thorniest questions is what happens once the immediate hostage release is completed. The plan envisions a broader peace process in which Israel conducts a partial withdrawal from Gaza and a multinational monitoring presence would gradually replace Israeli control, under a U.S.-led framework. A unique aspect of Trump’s proposal is the idea that he would helm a new governing body for a devastated Gaza, backed by a multinational force coordinated through a U.S.-led command center in Israel.
Trump’s team says the initial phase has guarantees from both sides and major regional players, but skeptics warn that halting violence and achieving long-term disarmament will require sustained commitment from a wide network of stakeholders. The plan also faces the harsh reality of humanitarian tolls, with the Gaza health ministry reporting tens of thousands of fatalities, and international agencies urging careful attention to civilians amid ongoing military operations.
Reactions and Implications for the Peace Summit
As Trump travels to Egypt for a multi-country peace summit, world leaders are watching closely to see if the ceasefire can evolve into a durable settlement. The summit aims to build political cover for the difficult steps ahead, including the disarmament of armed factions and the scope of Israeli security arrangements in Gaza. Critics argue that without a credible security architecture and a clear path to Palestinian statehood, truces risk fraying at the edges.
Trump’s rhetoric about a quick transition to peace has drawn mixed reactions among regional actors, but the momentum from a successful hostage exchange could provide political capital for a broader diplomatic push. The coming days will test whether the “war is over” claim translates into lasting stability or becomes a temporary pause in a long, unsettled conflict.
Key Figures and Timing
With Trump leading the regional effort, senior U.S. officials including the Secretary of State, Defense Secretary, and intelligence leaders accompanied him on the trip, signaling a high-priority initiative. The exchange timeline and the future of Gaza’s governance will hinge on negotiations with Israel, Hamas, and allied states in the region.
Why This Moment Matters
Beyond the headlines, the hostage exchange and the peace summit represent a high-stakes test of whether a complex, multi-party agreement can translate into real, measurable relief for civilians and a sustainable political process. The world will be watching closely as the first living hostages are released and as a broader road map for Gaza and Israel unfolds before international and regional audiences.
