Donald Trump touched down in Israel today as Hamas begins the release of hostages as part of the historic peace deal he helped broker.
In remarks made while on his way, the US president declared that ‘the war is over,’ citing the ceasefire as proof that the conflict in Gaza has entered a new phase.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was seen greeting Trump at the Ben Gurion International Airport.
The red carpet was rolled out for the American leader, who Netanyahu has described as a close friend.
Trump is set to receive a hero’s welcome when he addresses the country’s parliament later today.
Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who has been instrumental in his Israel policy, was also seen at the airport with his wife, Ivanka. After pleasantries were exchanged, the two leaders were seen in conversation as they left the airport together.
According to Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, Trump will also be awarded the country’s highest civilian honour later on this year.
Asked about his expectations for the region after securing the peace deal, he said: ‘I think it’s going to normalise.’
Trump also said he would be ‘proud’ to visit Gaza. Speaking before he arrived, he said: ‘Everybody is happy, whether it’s Jewish or Muslim or the Arab countries – every country is dancing in the streets.
‘It’s a point in time, I don’t think you’ll ever see it again. They’ve never seen it for 3,000 years.’ He added that it was the ‘first time that everybody is unified’.
He also said, ‘there are a lot of reasons ‘he believes the ceasefire will be a success. It’s been centuries, not just recent, it’s been centuries,’ he said. ‘I think people are tired of it, the ceasefire is going to hold.’
A ceasefire between the two sides has held for days after the deal was signed, and Hamas agreed to the release of all hostages.
Thousands of Palestinians have been travelling to Gaza City, where Israel has focused its attacks in recent weeks, in the hope that there will be no more violence.
In a televised speech yesterday, Netanyahu said: ‘Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path. A path of building, a path of healing, and I hope – a path of uniting heart.’
All living Israeli captives are due to be released, with the bodies of the remaining 28 dead hostages to be released later.
Families of the hostages who have not yet been released by Hamas have held video calls with their loved ones.
Matan Zangauker’s mother, Einav, was seen speaking to her son in a video.
She told him: ‘You’re coming home – you’re all coming home. There’s no more war.’
Nimrod Cohen, a soldier who was also captured by Hamas, was seen talking to his parents, Viki and Yehuda. The mother and relatives of Bar Abraham Kupershtein also spoke to him ahead of his release.
Defence minister Israel Katz said today: ‘The State of Israel and the security establishment embrace our first seven hostages returning home, including IDF soldier Matan Angrest. We await all of them with excitement and great love.’
World leaders have reacted to the release of hostages. British prime minister Keir Starmer said: ‘Today is the first, crucial phase in ending the war in the Middle East.
‘Now we must deliver lasting peace and a secure future for the whole region.
‘The UK is providing additional humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, and we will lead efforts to accelerate its reconstruction.’
Starmer will join 20 other world leaders for a summit in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, where the peace plan will be on the agenda. Trump will be at the summit after he leaves Israel.
Trump is expected to receive a hero’s welcome in Egypt as well. Billboards bearing his photograph have been erected throughout the city.
Jubilant citizens gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, as the news of the release of the first hostages was broken.
It is estimated that at least 65,000 people had gathered in the square. In the streets of Tel Aviv, US and Israeli flags flew as a motorcade ferrying Trump and Netanyahu drove past.
