Trump: We have peace in the Middle East; Sisi: Only a two-state solution will bring peace | LIVE

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Trump leaves Egypt

Donald Trump left Egypt on Monday after a whirlwind trip to celebrate the entry into force of a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, according to an AFP photographer traveling aboard his plane, Air Force One.

The U.S. president first traveled to Jerusalem, then to Sharm al-Sheikh, where he co-chaired the international summit on Gaza.

Trump says 20-point plan for Gaza can be implemented 'out of order' to allay fears of cease-fire collapse

U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed concerns that the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas could collapse after the first phase of hostage releases. Referring to the plan for Gaza, he said that the 20 points in his roadmap "don't have to be implemented in order."

"The 20-point plan for Gaza is already in stages 3 and 4; It's not divided in such a simple way. We can be well advanced, we can take elements out of order in a positive way," Trump added, suggesting flexibility in implementing the provisions of the agreement.

Faced with widespread opposition, Netanyahu decided not to attend the summit on Gaza

The announcement that Benjamin Netanyahu would be attending the summit on Gaza in Sharm al-Sheikh sparked widespread opposition from leaders in the region and prompted the Israeli prime minister to quickly backtrack, according to several diplomatic sources cited by AFP.

Although his attendance had been announced on Israeli television that morning, Netanyahu ultimately declined the invitation extended by Egyptian President al-Sissi. "Netanyahu thanked Trump for the invitation but said he would be unable to attend the summit due to the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah [Joy of the Torah] beginning at nightfall on Monday," his office said in a statement.

Turkey, supported by Arab countries, claims to have exerted pressure to prevent his attendance, a Turkish diplomatic source told AFP.

"On the initiative of President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan and thanks to Turkey's diplomatic efforts, with the support of other leaders, Netanyahu will not attend the meeting in Egypt," the source said.

Read more on this here.

Conference on Gaza reconstruction announced

Egypt will host a conference on the reconstruction of Gaza, announced Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who also welcomed the fact that the agreement on Gaza "opens a new era of peace and stability" in the Middle East.

Trump tells the summit "We have peace in the Middle East" while Sisi says that "only a two-state solution" will bring peace.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Monday in a speech that a two-state solution was "the only way to achieve the ambitions of Palestinians and Israelis and live in peace."

Salam praises diplomatic efforts by Trump and Arab leaders for Gaza, urges the same for Lebanon

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam praised the diplomatic efforts of the United States and Arab countries that led to the cease-fire in Gaza and the ongoing negotiations in Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt.

"I congratulate our Palestinian brothers in Gaza and commend the diplomatic efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump and all our brotherly and friendly countries to end this war, which has lasted too long and cost the lives of thousands of innocent civilians," he wrote in a message posted on X on Monday evening.

However, he pointed out that while the guns are about to fall silent in the Gaza Strip, the almost daily Israeli attacks on Lebanon are preventing stability in the region.

"I call on our regional and international brothers and friends to join us in our efforts to end Israeli attacks and secure a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, and to help us in the reconstruction process, which will contribute not only to the stability of Lebanon but also to the stability of the entire region."

The Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators have all signed a document with U.S. President Donald Trump on the cease-fire agreement in Gaza.

Trump praises Gaza summit

Donald Trump described the Gaza summit as "a great day for the Middle East" at the opening of the international conference in Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt.

"This is a great day for the world, this is a great day for the Middle East," said the U.S. president, before signing a declaration that he said would establish the "rules" for the next stage of the peace process.

More dead hostages handed over to Red Cross

Hamas handed over the bodies of two more Israeli hostages to the Red Cross, following the release of two others a few hours earlier, according to an official involved in the operation quoted by Reuters.

Sharm al-Sheikh summit has begun

The international summit in Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt, officially began with a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump, who was the first to speak.

Hamas says release of Palestinian prisoners is a 'national achievement.'

Donald Trump greets Mahmoud Abbas at the Gaza Summit in Egypt.

Sisi to Trump: 'You are the only one capable of bringing peace to our region'

The Egyptian president made the comments to his American counterpart ahead of the summit dedicated to the future of the cease-fire in Gaza, starting today in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm al-Sheikh.

The two are co-chairing this international summit, bringing together 31 leaders from countries and international organizations.

Israel released a total of 1,968 Palestinian political prisoners on Monday in exchange for the 20 living hostages released by Hamas, an official source confirmed to AFP.

Trump: Second phase of the agreement has begun

Responding to questions from reporters in Sharm al-Sheikh, U.S. President Donald Trump said that the second phase of negotiations on the cease-fire in Gaza had begun.

"It has already begun, as far as we are concerned," he replied alongside Egyptian President al-Sissi. "Phase two has begun, and you know that the phases are all a bit mixed up," he added, according to comments reported by Reuters.

Trump congratulates Sisi for his contribution to Gaza cease-fire

Upon arriving at the podium at the international summit in Sharm al-Sheikh, U.S. President Donald Trump praised his Egyptian counterpart, saying he had played a "very important role" in the negotiations with Hamas.

"The United States fully supports him," Trump added.

'Hamas is searching for bodies' of hostages, says Trump

President Donald Trump has said that Hamas is still searching for the remains of several Israeli captives to be handed over to Israel.

"They're looking for bodies. It's a pretty grim task. They know where most of them are. I think there are five or six, but they're still looking. They know the areas, and the search teams are working hard, in collaboration with Israel. They will find a number of them," he said.

Israeli army sends threats to families of Palestinian prisoners released in occupied West Bank

Threatening messages have been sent to the families of Palestinian prisoners who were released today as part of the agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Leaflets were sent to these families ordering them not to celebrate the release of their loved ones or face "prosecution, sanctions and arrest." "You have been warned, and we are watching closely," concluded the message, which was relayed by several local media outlets.

The Palestinian Wafa news agency reported that Israeli forces assaulted the brother of Ayman al-Kurd, a recently released Palestinian prisoner, during a raid on their family home in the town of Kfar Aqab, north of Jerusalem, causing fractures and bruises to his face.

Wafa added that the Israeli army also carried out raids in several areas of the occupied West Bank, including al-Khader, al-Ubeidiya, and Dar Salah, with no arrests reported.

Leaders begin to meet in Sharm al-Sheikh ahead of Gaza summit

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with the French and Turkish presidents and the Emir of Qatar, among other leaders, to coordinate the implementation of the cease-fire in Gaza and reconstruction efforts, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the international summit in Sharm al-Sheikh.

Hamas has handed over the remains of two dead Israeli hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza, an official involved in the operation told Reuters.

Israeli army: Red Cross on way to receive bodies of hostages.

"According to the information received, the Red Cross is currently on its way to the meeting point in the southern Gaza Strip, where several coffins of deceased hostages will be handed over to it," the army said in a statement shortly after the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, published the names of four hostages whose remains they plan to return to Israel later today.

The day before, Israeli authorities said they did not expect all the dead hostages to be returned on Monday, in which case an "international body" provided for in the U.S. plan would help locate them, according to the army.

Trump lands in Egypt with a 3.5-hour delay

U.S. President Donald Trump landed in Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday afternoon, where he is set to co-chair the Gaza summit after his speech to the Israeli Parliament, according to Egyptian television.

He arrived more than three and a half hours behind schedule for this international summit which will bring together 31 leaders.

Katz accuses Hamas of 'failing to fulfill its commitments' and threatens with 'a response'

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz wrote on X that: "Hamas' announcement regarding the expected return of four bodies today constitutes a breach of its commitments. Any delay or intentional omission will be considered a flagrant violation of the agreement and will be met with a response accordingly."

Hamas gambles with release of first part of hostages

Members of the International Committee of the Red Cross are on their way to the southern Gaza Strip to receive several coffins containing the bodies of Israeli hostages, according to a statement by the Israeli military on Telegram.

The army is prepared to receive the additional bodies that will be transferred to the Red Cross later, it said.

The announcement comes shortly after Hamas announced that it will release the bodies of four captives before the end of the day.

Despite previously calling Trump a racist, a "recipe for chaos" and a man with an absurd vision for Gaza, Hamas has decided to trust that the U.S. President will hold Israel to the deal.

In an analysis on this gamble, Reuters said: "Trump's handling of both the Qatar strikes and the cease-fire that ended Israel's 12-day war with Iran in June gave the Hamas negotiators confidence that the U.S. president would not just let Israel resume fighting as soon as the hostages are released, the two Palestinian officials and another source briefed on talks said."

Turkey uses its diplomatic leverage against Netanyahu, according to AFP

Diplomatic sources informed AFP that Turkey exerted pressure to prevent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from attending the Gaza Summit in Egypt.

Trump is currently on his way there.

Hamas to hand over bodies of four deceased hostages

In a statement published on Telegram, Hamas' armed wing announced that the bodies of four deceased Israeli captives, Guy Ilouz, Yossi Sharabi, Bipin Joshi and Daniel Perez, will be handed over today.

Hamas has already released the 20 prisoners who were being held in Gaza alive, but still holds the bodies of the remaining 28 dead Israeli captives.

Meanwhile, Israel refuses to hand over the bodies of Yahya Sinwar and his brother Mohammad Sinwar.

Trump boards plane to Egypt after brief visit to Israel

U.S. President Donald Trump is on his way to Sharm al-Sheikh for what his administration has described as a “peace summit” to take the cease-fire forward.

UN chief calls for using momentum to advance Gaza talks

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has urged all parties involved to use the current momentum, following the release of captives, to push forward negotiations and bring an end to the war on Gaza, Al Jazeera reports.

“I urge all parties to build on this momentum and to honor their commitments under the cease-fire to end the nightmare in Gaza,” Guterres posted on X.

Guterres emphasized that the release of prisoners should serve as a catalyst for broader diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a lasting peace.

Wafa news agency: Israeli forces assault brother of recently released Palestinian prisoner

The Palestinian news agency has reported that the raid took place on their home in the town of Kafr Aqab, north of Jerusalem.

Soldiers stormed the home of Ayman al-Kurd, released today under the Gaza cease-fire deal, and beat up his brother, causing fractures and bruises to his nose and foot. Soldiers also damaged property and warned families of freed prisoners against holding celebrations.

Wafa added that Israeli forces also raided several areas in the occupied West Bank, including al-Khader, al-Ubeidiya, and Dar Salah, without reporting any arrests.

In a separate incident, Israeli settlers reportedly blocked the main Ramallah-Nablus road near al-Lubban Asharqiya, where they brandished weapons outside two schools.

Gaza Health Ministry starts 'providing care and medical examinations' to detainees released by Israel.

“Medical procedures are being carried out in accordance with arrangements made by the Ministry to provide them with appropriate care,” it said in a statement.

Israel transfers 154 released Palestinian prisoners to Egypt

The Prisoners’ Media Office announced that 154 Palestinian detainees, released as part of the Gaza cease-fire agreement, have been transferred to Egypt.

“The 154 Palestinian prisoners sent abroad were received and transferred to the Arab Republic of Egypt in order to complete their release procedures, as part of the implementation of the agreement,” it stated.

These prisoners are part of nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees whose release is planned under the first phase of the cease-fire agreement, which also led to the release of twenty Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Footage shows buses transporting the Palestinians released by Israel arriving in the southern city of Khan Younis.

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U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday the Palestinian people should choose to turn away from "terror and violence" as he hailed the recently minted cease-fire in Gaza in an address to Israel's parliament.

"And the choice for Palestinians could not be more clear," he said. "This is their chance to turn forever from the path of terror and violence."

The U.S. president criticized former U.S. President Obama for signing the 2015 Iran nuclear deal , calling it a “disaster”.

However, he also said: “Yet even to Iran, whose regime has inflicted so much death on the Middle East, the hand of friendship and cooperation is open. They want to make a deal. We’re going to see if we can do something.”

Trump continues his speech in the Knesset by urging Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, who is facing corruption charges.

“Mr. President, why don’t you give Netanyahu a pardon?”

The Israeli prime minister and his parliamentary allies welcome Trump’s words, erupting in cheers and clapping.

Trump said the Oct. 7 attacks should serve as a warning: “October 7 should prove to nations trying to destroy Israel that attempts are doomed to fail.”

He framed the event as a turning point in regional deterrence and reaffirmed unwavering support for Israel.

The Hamas prisoner media office says 154 Palestinian detainees set for arrived in Egypt.

Two Israeli MPs were removed from the Knesset after raising a protest sign during U.S. President Donald Trump's speech, according to Haaretz

Knesset security removed Hadash MKs Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif, who raised a sign reading "Recognize Palestine" during Trump's address, Haaretz also reported.

Trump on Iran: 'Iranians want to survive'

Trump said a peace deal with Iran is possible: "What would be great is if we can make a peace deal with Iran. Iranians want to survive."

He added, "We took a big cloud off of the Middle East and Israel," and argued that without containing Iran, "Arab nations wouldn't be comfortable making the deal we have now."

Trump said that in Lebanon, “the dagger of Hezbollah” aimed at Israel has been “totally shattered”.

“My administration is actively supporting the new president of Lebanon and his mission to permanently disarm Hezbollah’s… brigades. He’s doing very well.”

Trump: 'The entire region has endorsed a plan that Hamas will be disarmed'

Trump claimed broad support for disarming Hamas, presenting it as a step toward long-term stability.

Trump was briefly heckled during his speech at the Knesset

According to Al Jazeera Trump was interrupted by Ayman Odeh, a member of parliament.

Before that, Odeh posted on his X account: “The amount of hypocrisy in the plenum is unbearable. To crown Netanyahu through flattery the likes of which has never been seen, through an orchestrated group, does not absolve him and his government of the crimes against humanity committed in Gaza, nor of the responsibility for the blood of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian victims and thousands of Israeli victims."

“But only because of the cease-fire and the overall deal am I here. Only ending the occupation, and only recognising the State of Palestine alongside Israel, will bring justice, peace, and security to all.”

Trump also said during his speech at the Knesset:

-"Israel became strong and powerful, which led to peace"

-Netanyahu is "not the easiest guy to deal with but that is what makes him great"

-"Generations from now this will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change and change very much for the better"

-"The forces of chaos that have plagued the region are totally defeated."

As he was praising the negotiating skills of his envoy Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump's speech was briefly interrupted when security escorted out of Parliament individuals who attempted to wave banners.

“After two harrowing years, darkness and captivity 20 courageous hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families,” Trump tells lawmakers.

“This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East.”

A Palestinian man released from Israeli jail embraces his daughter. (Credit: Ammar Awad/Reuters)

Without naming any, Netanyahu has accused several governments of buying into 'Hamas’ false propaganda'

“More and more governments succumbed to anti-Semitic mobs in their own countries. They just turned on Israel. They called for us to surrender to Hamas demands, just leave Gaza immediately.”

“They said end the war without committing to disarm Hamas, without committing to a demilitarised Gaza.”

The Palestinian Health Ministry says 63 people have been confirmed dead over the past 24 hours in Gaza, including 60 whose bodies were recovered from earlier Israeli attacks.

The ministry said many victims remain trapped under destroyed buildings and in the streets, as ambulance and civil defense crews continue to face difficulties reaching them.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli attacks across Gaza have killed 67,869 people and wounded 170,105.

The Israeli PM said it was Trump’s “pivotal leadership” in putting forward the cease-fire agreement that got the “backing of almost the entire world”.

“A proposal that brings all our hostages home, a proposal that ends the war by achieving all our objectives, a proposal that opens the war to an historic expansion of peace in our region and beyond our region,” he said.

Netanyahu is now addressing the Israeli Knesset, starting with praise for Trump.

“On this day filled with emotion, which will be carved in the history of our people, your name will be carved in the legacy of our nation,” he said in his speech, referring to the U.S. president.

“It has already been carved in the history of humanity.”

Netanyahu says Trump is the “greatest friend” Israel has had in the White House.

“No American president has ever done more for Israel,” he added. He also praised Trump for: Moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem in 2018, brokering the Abraham Accords, and recognising Israel’s “sovereignty” over the occupied Golan Heights

Freed Palestinian prisoners after being released from an Israeli jail in Ramallah, occupied West Bank. (Credit: Mussa Qawasma/Reuters)

⚡Before Donald Trump's speech at the Knesset, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the Israeli Parliament.

⚡Contrary to previous announcements, including by the Egyptian presidency, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that he will not attend the Gaza summit organized by Donald Trump in Egypt, according to Reuters.

The reasons for this reversal have not been disclosed.

Hamas called on Trump and mediators to ensure Israel does not resume the war, AFP adds.

The release of Israeli hostages marks “the beginning of healing and a step towards peace in the Middle East,” said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a supporter of Israel, AFP reports.

U.S. President Donald Trump began his speech at the Israeli Parliament. He was greeted with applause from the Knesset as trumpets sounded in the chamber.

Many spectators in the visitors' gallery wore red Israeli caps bearing the inscription, “Trump, the President of Peace,” according to images shared by Israeli media.

Palestinians inside a bus after being released from the Ofer military prison, located between Ramallah and Beitounia, in occupied West Bank, on Oct. 13, 2025. (Credit: Hazem Bade/AFP)

Joy erupts in Ramallah as buses carrying released Palestinian prisoners arrive

AFP journalists on the ground report an explosion of joy in Ramallah as buses transporting Palestinian prisoners released by Israel arrive.

An Al-Jazeera correspondent reported that buses carrying released Palestinian prisoners from Ofer prison have arrived in Beitunia, near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

Key excerpts from Trump’s speech at the Knesset

In a landmark address to the Israeli Knesset, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a speech on the future of the Middle East, peace, and Israel’s role in the region. Here are some of the key quotes:

"This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East."

-"It is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East."

-"Israel has won all that can be won by force of arms."

-"Even to Iran, whose regime has inflicted so much death on the Middle East, the hand of friendship and cooperation is always open."

-"From Gaza to Iran, those bitter hatreds have delivered nothing but misery, suffering, and failure."

-"The total focus of Gazans must be on restoring the fundamentals of stability, safety, dignity, and economic development."

-"It is an incredible triumph for Israel and the world."

-"America joins you in those two everlasting vows — never forget, and never again."

Trump's remarks come just days after a cease-fire was declared in Gaza, and amid renewed diplomatic efforts to reshape the region.

Hamas kills 32 in post-cease-fire security operation

Hamas forces killed 32 members of a “dangerous gang” in Gaza City during a security campaign launched after Friday’s cease-fire, a Palestinian security source said. Six Hamas personnel were also killed, with 24 arrests and 30 others wounded, Reuters reports.

The operation targeted a gang linked to a local family. Hamas has deployed security forces across Gaza to prevent lawlessness and looting.

Despite calling for Hamas to disarm under a peace plan, President Trump said the group had U.S. approval “for a period of time” to conduct internal security operations.

Egyptian presidency has confirmed Netanyahu's attendance at the summit on Gaza, AFP reports.

Trump says US approved temporary Hamas security role in Gaza

President Trump said the U.S. gave Hamas “approval for a period of time” to conduct internal security operations in Gaza, citing the group’s aim to “stop the problems.”

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump added: “You have close to 2 million people going back to buildings that have been demolished… we want it to be safe.”

Hamas has deployed security forces following Friday’s cease-fire, saying it’s to curb looting and lawlessness. Clashes have been reported between Hamas forces and a local clan in Gaza City.

The Hamas Interior Ministry offered amnesty to gang members involved in aid theft and looting, provided they hadn’t committed bloodshed.

⚡Netanyahu to attend Sharm al-Sheikh summit on Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will attend the summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on Gaza, according to an Israeli public broadcaster.

It had been previously agreed that neither Hamas nor Israeli representatives would attend the summit.

Release of Palestinian prisoners: Israeli army fires smoke grenades toward journalists near Ofer prison

The Israeli army fired smoke grenades toward journalists near the Israeli military prison of Ofer, located between Ramallah and Beitunia in the occupied West Bank, according to footage from Al Jazeera.

This forced the journalists to retreat. Ofer is one of two prisons — along with Ktziot prison in southern Israel — from which Palestinian prisoners are set to be released on Monday as part of the Trump plan to end the war in Gaza.

Family of Palestinian prisoner shocked by exile decision

Muhammad Imran’s family had gathered early, expecting to welcome him home — only to learn he is among 154 Palestinian political prisoners Israel has chosen to exile, Al Jazeera reports.

Muhammad, 43, sentenced to 13 life terms in 2022, was expected to be released as part of the current deal. His siblings, Ibtisam and Raed, were overjoyed after receiving a call from Israeli intelligence confirming his release — but were later informed he would be deported.

“The army even raided our home, asking where he would stay,” said Raed. “Today’s news was a shock. But what matters is that he’s free — here or abroad."

⚡ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now considering joining Donald Trump at the summit in Egypt on Gaza, according to an Israeli official quoted by Reuters.

The Palestinian Prisoners’ Media Office has announced that buses carrying Palestinian prisoners have departed from Israeli prisons, after Hamas released 20 Israeli hostages from the Gaza Strip, according to Al Jazeera.

Israel had stated on Sunday evening that it would not release any prisoners until all remaining living hostages in the enclave had been recovered.

“Once all hostages are released, Israel will free 250 prisoners serving life sentences, as well as 1,700 Gazans detained after Oct. 7, 2023 — including all women and children held in that context,” according to Trump’s Gaza plan.

The Knesset ahead of Donald Trump’s arrival at the podium. (Credit: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

Upon arriving at the Knesset, Donald Trump said he believes Hamas will comply with the disarmament plan.

Speaking to journalists before delivering his speech, Trump also answered “yes” when asked whether the war was over, according to Reuters.

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While en route to Israel overnight, U.S. President Donald Trump shared doubts as to whether former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair should serve on a new "Board of Peace" that is intended to oversee the governance of Gaza, amid ongoing criticisms of Blair for his having brought Britain into the Iraq War.

"I've always liked Tony, but I want to find out that he's an acceptable choice to everybody," Trump said, cited by Reuters. He didn't name specific leaders who could be weighing in on his decision.

Trump's 20-point plan for a Gaza cease-fire listed Blair as possible member of a board that would act as a transitional international authority, making decisions for a post-war Gaza.

Read the full report here.👈

Donald Trump arrives at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, to deliver a speech, according to footage broadcast by Al Jazeera.

Palestinian fighters mobilized in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Oct. 13, 2025. (Credit: Ramadan Abed/Reuters)

Hamas fighters deploy in Gaza amid ongoing hostage release

Hamas deployed dozens of fighters in southern Gaza on Monday, according to Reuters footage, as the release of hostages captured during the Oct. 7 attacks continues.

In what appeared to be a show of strength, armed militants were seen gathered outside a hospital, including at least one fighter wearing the insignia of the Qassam Brigades — Hamas’s military wing.

One armed man bore a shoulder patch identifying him as a member of the elite "Shadow Unit," a group that, according to Hamas sources, is responsible for guarding hostages.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who arrived in Israel earlier today, has reiterated his position that Hamas must disarm as part of any long-term peace plan.

⚡ Israeli Channel 12 reported that the Red Cross has received 13 hostages released as part of the second wave of releases, according to Al-Jazeera

Israeli public radio reported that the Red Cross has received new hostages from Gaza, without specifying the number, who are currently on their way to Israel, according to Al Jazeera.

Seven hostages were released around 8 a.m.

A total of 20 hostages are expected to be released during the morning.

“The war in Gaza is over. Everyone wants to be part of the peace. I don’t think those who gave me verbal assurances regarding the Gaza deal want to disappoint me,” said U.S. President Donald Trump from the plane, according to footage from Al Jazeera.

“I’ve had disagreements with Netanyahu, but they were quickly resolved,” Trump also stated. “Qatar helped us a lot in reaching the Gaza deal. The Emir of Qatar is a remarkable man; he truly helped us in this agreement. The Qataris showed great courage, and their leader, the Emir of Qatar, was extremely brave,” the American president continued.

On Sept. 9, Israel targeted Hamas negotiators in Doha, Qatar, prompting condemnation from the United States, for whom the Gulf country is a key ally. “I would be proud to visit Gaza, and I’d love to set foot on its soil,” he also declared.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will attend the "Summit for Peace" chaired by Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Egypt, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced.

The EU will restart its border monitoring mission at the crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Wednesday, announced the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas.

Donald Trump: 'I don’t know about Gaza’s Riviera — there are people to take care of first.'

Answering questions from journalists aboard the plane en route to Tel Aviv, U.S. President Donald Trump said he “doesn’t know about Gaza’s Riviera”, adding that “there are people to take care of first,” according to Reuters.

In February, the American president caused outrage by suggesting the idea of turning Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East” by relocating the Palestinian population and placing the territory under U.S. control.

Gaza: Red Cross en route to retrieve more hostages, says Israeli army

The European Union welcomes the release of Israeli hostages, “made possible by President Trump,” reports AFP.

Donald Trump has arrived in Tel Aviv.

U.S. President Donald Trump has arrived in Tel Aviv for a visit during which he is scheduled to deliver a speech before the Israeli Parliament, before heading later in the day to Sharm al-Sheikh in Egypt to co-chair, alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, an international conference on Gaza.

Israeli hostages who have not yet been released made video calls with their families, confirmed both Hamas and the Hostages’ Families Forum.

Israel: 'Our fight is not over,' says the Hostages’ Families Forum

The Hostages’ Families Forum welcomed the release this morning of seven hostages in Gaza, but stated that their fight would “not be over” until all hostages and the remains of deceased hostages were returned to Israel.

“After 738 days of anguish in captivity, Omri Miran, Matan Angrest, Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Alon Ohel, and Eitan Mor are returning to embrace their families, who worked tirelessly for their release, their friends, and an entire nation that believed and fought for this day,” said the Forum, the main organization representing the relatives of captives, in a statement.

“Our fight is not over. It will only end when the last hostage is found and brought back for a dignified burial. This is our moral duty. Only then will the people of Israel be whole again,” the statement added.

Hostage releases: “We are waiting for everyone, until the very last,” says Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Macron: 'Peace becomes possible for Israel, for Gaza, and for the region'

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the release of the hostages means “peace is becoming possible for Israel, for Gaza, and for the region's"

Unlike previous releases, this one is being kept away from the media, reports Al-Jazeera

Unlike previous hostage releases, this one is being conducted out of the media spotlight, according to a journalist on site from Al-Jazeera.

Earlier releases were choreographed and publicized, prompting criticism from the Israeli public and human rights organizations.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry welcomes 7 hostages released by Hamas

According to AFP, the Israeli Foreign Ministry welcomed the seven hostages released by Hamas.

The Israeli army had confirmed earlier that these hostages were handed over to the Red Cross.

“According to information provided by the Red Cross, seven hostages have been handed over and are on their way” to be transferred to Israeli soldiers and Shin Bet members inside the Gaza Strip, the army said in a statement.

Israeli public broadcaster reported earlier that the hostages, abducted on Oct. 7, 2023, were handed over in Gaza City.

Hostage release: Hamas claims Israel 'was forced to yield to resistance’s conditions'

Following an earlier statement by its armed wing, Hamas declared that Israel:

“was forced to yield to the resistance’s conditions, which reaffirmed that the return of its captive soldiers could only be achieved through an exchange deal and the end of the war of extermination.”

“The resistance made every effort to preserve the lives of the occupier’s prisoners, despite the war criminal Netanyahu and his army’s attempts to target and eliminate them — while our prisoners in the occupier’s jails are subjected to all forms of abuse: humiliation, torture, and executions.”

“Our Palestinian people will not rest until the last prisoner of the neo-Nazis [Israelis] is freed and the occupation is lifted from our land and our holy places,” the statement concluded.

Sharm al-Sheikh peace summit: Preparations underway as leaders gather without Israelis or Palestinians at the table

While the first phase of the cease-fire is underway, world leaders are meeting to discuss the Trump plan for Gaza — with no Israeli or Palestinian representatives present.

Hostage release: Not all dead hostages still in Gaza will likely be returned Monday

The Israeli army expects that not all the bodies of hostages still held in the Gaza Strip will be returned today, a senior military official said Sunday evening.

“Unfortunately, we expect that not all deceased hostages will be returned tomorrow,” the official told journalists on condition of anonymity, according to AFP.

Earlier, a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Netanyahu said that an international organization, agreed upon as part of the ceasefire deal, would help locate the (dead) hostages if they are not found and released on Monday.

Tel Aviv: Crowd rejoices at Hostage Square as news breaks of 7 captives being handed over to Red Cross

A journalist on the ground from AFP reports a joyful crowd in Hostage Square, Tel Aviv, celebrating the news of the 7 hostages being handed over.

Sharm al-Sheikh summit: Mediating countries to sign document guaranteeing ceasefire implementation

The countries mediating the Gaza cease-fire agreement are expected to sign a document today in Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt, guaranteeing the application of the agreement, a diplomatic source told AFP.

“The signatories will be the guarantors: the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and probably Turkey,” said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

The Egyptian Foreign Affairs Ministry had earlier announced that a document putting an end to the war in Gaza would be signed at this meeting, co-chaired by the United States and Egypt.

Netanyahu: Some of our enemies are regrouping to attack again, but we’re dealing with it

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during an address on Sunday evening that Israel has achieved “immense victories” in two years, but that “the struggle is not over.”

“We still face major security challenges ahead. Some of our enemies are trying to regroup to attack us again, and as we say here — we’re dealing with it,” he added, according to AFP.

Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades: 'The enemy failed to recover its hostages through military pressure'

In a statement released following the handover of the first remaining living Israeli hostages, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, declared:

“The enemy [Israel] failed to recover its hostages through military pressure, despite its intelligence superiority and military power.”

“Ultimately, the enemy submitted and is recovering its hostages through a prisoner exchange deal, as the resistance had promised from the beginning.”

“We declare our commitment to the concluded agreement and to the associated timeline, as long as the enemy respects it. The agreement is the result of the resistance and the perseverance of our people. The resistance sought to end the genocide, but the enemy thwarted all efforts due to selfish and narrow considerations.”

1,966 Palestinian prisoners to be released have boarded buses from Israeli prisons

According to a source involved in the operation, cited by Reuters, 1,966 Palestinian prisoners slated for release today have boarded buses from Israeli prisons.

Among them:

• 1,716 from Gaza to be released at Nasser Hospital in Gaza the same day.
• 250 serving life sentences will be released to the West Bank, Jerusalem, and abroad, also on Monday, according to the same source.

Hostage release: All living hostages to be handed over before 10 a.m.

According to Al-Jazeera, Hamas fighters from the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades have handed over Israeli hostages alive to the Red Cross in Gaza — seven according to Israeli sources — and the transfer of the remaining living hostages will be completed by 10 a.m. in southern Gaza.

Gaza: 7 Israeli hostages released

Seven hostages in the Gaza Strip have already been handed over to the Red Cross, according to Israeli Channel 13 cited by Al-Jazeera.

Good morning and welcome to our live blog, bringing you news updates from all over the Middle East.

Stay tuned for the Israeli hostage and Palestinian prisoner exchange taking place today and the Gaza peace summit held in Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt.

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