Post by : Rameen Ariff

Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrived at Ben Gurion Airport on Monday to mark a historic ceasefire and hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas. The visit comes amid international attention as Israel begins the release of hostages from Gaza, a move brokered by the United States.

A giant "Thank You" sign, featuring the Israeli flag’s blue stripes and Stars of David, was erected on a Tel Aviv beach to welcome Trump. The message, written in both English and Hebrew, expressed gratitude for his role in facilitating the deal. Air Force One flew over the sign as Trump’s plane approached the airport.

The landmark deal aims to return the remaining 48 hostages held by Hamas and to halt ongoing hostilities in Gaza. Under the agreement’s first phase, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel are also expected to be released. Humanitarian aid will now flow into Gaza, with up to 600 trucks per day allowed, all under international monitoring.

During his visit, Trump will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, address the Knesset, and meet with the families of the hostages. Following his Israel visit, Trump is scheduled to travel to Egypt for an international summit on Gaza’s future, attended by leaders from over 20 countries, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK opposition leader Keir Starmer.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated that Israeli forces are beginning a phased withdrawal from parts of Gaza while maintaining security operations. He highlighted that future phases of the agreement aim for Hamas’ disarmament and Gaza’s demilitarization, though these issues remain unresolved.

The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed that the process of releasing living hostages from Gaza has already begun. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel remains committed to securing the safe return of all hostages, while simultaneously ensuring that Hamas is contained.

This U.S.-brokered agreement represents a major diplomatic milestone in the Israel-Hamas conflict and signals a potential path toward easing tensions in the region

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