All Israeli Hostages Freed as Gaza Ceasefire Holds
In a landmark development, Hamas handed over the remains of two deceased hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza, as part of a broader exchange that culminated in the release of all 20 remaining living Israeli hostages. After more than two years in captivity, families were finally reunited with their loved ones amid emotional scenes that underscored the fragile but real progress toward a sustained ceasefire.
The hostage release, coordinated with aid workers and the Israeli army, follows a ceasefire deal brokered with significant international backing from the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey. For many, the moment offered a rare glimmer of hope in a region long haunted by cycles of violence and retaliation.
Trump Heads to Egypt for the Gaza Future Summit
U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Egypt to co-host a multilateral summit in Sharm el-Sheikh focused on Gaza’s future, its reconstruction, and the long-term political trajectory in the region. The gathering brings together leaders from more than 20 countries and international bodies, all aiming to cement the ceasefire and accelerate aid and stabilization efforts.
Trump’s trip comes after a stop in Israel to celebrate the ceasefire deal with Hamas. He has framed the summit as a turning point toward peace and regional security, while emphasizing the urgency of rebuilding Gaza and ensuring a durable end to hostilities.
Key Players and the Summit’s Aims
Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi is co-hosting the talks with Trump, with participation from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and leaders from across Europe and the Arab world. The summit aims to harmonize efforts on Gaza’s reconstruction, the demobilization of armed groups, and the broader goal of stabilizing a volatile region that has seen repeated cycles of violence.
Earlier discussions signaled coordination between Egypt and Western and Arab partners on the post-ceasefire framework, including how to support governance, humanitarian aid, and safe corridors for relief into Gaza. The delicate balance involves addressing concerns about Hamas’s disarmament, the role of a stabilization force, and the political role of the Palestinian Authority in governance of Gaza in the future.
Security, Rebuilding, and Regional Diplomacy
Hamas has begun deploying fighters and police across parts of Gaza to reassert authority after the ceasefire deal. While this deployment does not immediately threaten the ceasefire, it raises questions about disarmament and the capacity of the new stabilisation force to maintain order during reconstruction. Reports also indicate tensions and localized clashes that could complicate the path to long-term peace if not carefully managed.
On the diplomatic front, President Netanyahu reportedly faced pressure over attending the summit, with Turkish President Erdogan voicing objections to his participation. The Israeli prime minister ultimately did not attend due to scheduling and political concerns, though other regional actors remained engaged in the talks.
What Comes Next
With hostages freed and a high-stakes summit underway, several critical tasks lie ahead: ensuring the safety of aid deliveries, coordinating reconstruction funding, and negotiating a sustainable governance framework for Gaza. The presence of international figures at the summit signals a readiness to turn ceasefire promises into concrete relief and political stability, but the path forward remains steep and complex.
For families, the release of hostages marks the end of a painful ordeal and a return to a semblance of normal life. For the wider region, the challenge is to translate momentary unity into enduring peace, with accountability, humanitarian access, and robust regional diplomacy at the forefront of discussions.
As world leaders gather in Sharm el-Sheikh, the coming weeks will reveal whether this moment represents a durable pivot away from conflict or a pause before new negotiations and renewed tensions. The ceasefire and the hostage release have set a new baseline—one that requires careful, sustained international involvement to preserve and build upon.
