Trump declares ‘the war is over’ as hostage exchange unfolds between Israel and Hamas

Trump declares ‘the war is over’ as hostage exchange proceeds

In a whirlwind of diplomacy and high-stakes negotiations, U.S. President Donald Trump declared the Gaza conflict effectively over as Hamas prepared to release all surviving hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The dramatic development came as Trump embarked on a lightning tour of the region, framing his role in brokering last week’s ceasefire and hostage deal as a pivotal moment for Middle East peace.

From the tarmac of Joint Base Andrews to the podiums in Israel and Egypt, Trump portrayed the ceasefire as a durable achievement and suggested that the coming steps would cement a broader peace process. “The war is over. Okay? You understand that?” Trump stated, signaling confidence in the deal’s durability while acknowledging the delicate path ahead.

The exchange arrangement, according to a roadmap proposed by the United States, envisions Israel releasing around 2,000 Palestinian detainees once living hostages are handed over by Hamas. Israeli officials indicated that all 20 living hostages were expected to return to the Red Cross early Monday, as negotiators worked through final details amid pressure from regional and international actors.

A presidency-led peace effort and a regional summit

Trump is slated to meet with hostage families in Israel and address the Knesset in Jerusalem, underscoring the administration’s emphasis on a multifaceted peace strategy. The president’s stop in Israel is described by aides as a victory lap for a 20-point peace plan announced in late September, which seeks to end the Gaza war and lay the groundwork for a broader settlement in the region.

Following Israel, Trump will travel to Egypt to co-host a peace summit with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi that will bring together more than 20 world leaders. The aim is to galvanize international support for the plan, address disarmament concerns from Hamas, and confront unresolved questions about a potential Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

What’s on the table and who’s involved

Negotiations have continued through Sunday night as Hamas pressed for the release of seven senior Palestinian leaders among the prisoners set for potential release—a demand Israel reportedly considered but not guaranteed. While both sides emphasize a mutual commitment to the initial phase, the path ahead remains uncertain, with questions about Hamas disarmament and Israel’s willingness to pledge a full withdrawal from devastated Gaza.

Under the current framework, Hamas would release all remaining hostages abducted on Oct 7, 2023, including living and deceased individuals, along with the remains of a soldier from 2014. In exchange, approximately 1,700 Palestinians detained by Israel, including many convicted of lethal attacks, would be released alongside about 250 security detainees. The humanitarian and security implications of these moves are hotly debated by policymakers and regional observers alike.

<h2 Aftershocks and the promise of a multi-national follow-on

The plan envisions a phased transition: Israel conducts a partial withdrawal from Gaza, which would be replaced by a multi-national force coordinated under a U.S.-led command center in Israel. Trump has signaled a willingness to visit Gaza himself—an indication of his confidence in the roadmap, though he acknowledged the security challenges involved in even contemplating such a trip.

Health authorities in Gaza report grim casualties since the conflict intensified, with figures indicating tens of thousands killed or injured and a vast toll on civilians, including women and children. Humanitarian advocates stress the necessity of robust aid access and long-term reconstruction to prevent a relapse into renewed violence.

Looking ahead: trust, verification, and regional stability

As the peace summit looms, the core challenge is sustaining trust between competing parties and ensuring verifiable compliance from Hamas, Israel, and international monitors. The international community’s role in guaranteeing adherence to the ceasefire and facilitating a credible withdrawal plan remains central to any durable solution. Trump’s team argues that guarantees from involved sides and regional partners will help preserve momentum, but experts caution that the coming weeks will reveal whether the accord can withstand political shifts and continued regional tensions.

Ultimately, the ambition is clear: translate a fragile ceasefire into a lasting political settlement that reduces violence, protects civilians, and charts a realistic, enforceable path toward Palestinian statehood alongside Israeli security—an objective that will require careful navigation, transparent accountability, and sustained international engagement.