Hamas finally released the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages on Monday, ending two years of captivity as part of a cease-fire deal that requires Israel to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
The hostages, taken during the brutal October 7, 2023 attack against Israel, were reunited with their families in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, a public square that became the focal point for hostage protests over the last two years. The hostages, all men under 50, were greeted by thousands of their countrymen, who cheered and held signs welcoming them home. Tens of thousands of Israelis also watched their return at public viewings across the country.
As the Israeli hostages were freed, Israel began releasing 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, who were greeted by cheering crowds as they were bussed into the West Bank. Of the 1,900 prisoners, 250 were serving life sentences, and 1,700 had been detained since October 7.
Hamas is still in possession of the bodies of 28 Israeli hostages, which are set to be returned as part of the cease-fire deal, though the exact timing remains unclear.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that he was "committed to this peace" in a speech to the Knesset, the Israeli parliament.
Netanyahu was followed by President Trump, who received a standing ovation from Israeli lawmakers as he took the podium.
Trump praised the work of his envoy Steve Witkoff in securing the release of the hostages and predicted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would go down as “the greatest U.S. secretary of state in history” for his work on the cease-fire.
Trump is scheduled to travel to Egypt Monday afternoon to attend a summit with more than 20 Arab leaders on the future of Gaza.
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