Tel Aviv: In a major breakthrough during ongoing ceasefire negotiations, seven Israeli hostages held by Hamas were released on Sunday, coinciding with US President Donald Trump’s red carpet welcome in Israel for high-level peace talks aimed at stabilising the Gaza region.
The released hostages—Eitan Mor, Alon Ohel, Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Omri Miran, and Matan Angrest—were handed over to Israeli authorities and escorted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Security Agency across the border. The operation was named “Returning Home” by the IDF.
The release took place amid a fragile truce between Israel and Hamas, which has held for a third consecutive day after weeks of heavy bombardment and civilian casualties in Gaza and southern Israel.
President Donald Trump, who arrived in Israel shortly after the hostages’ return, received a red carpet welcome at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. Top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, greeted him as he stepped off Air Force One to the sound of military bands and flag-lined runways.
Trump hailed the hostage release as “a rare moment of hope,” declaring that “the war in Gaza has ended and the Middle East is going to normalise.” His remarks came as diplomatic efforts intensified to translate the temporary ceasefire into a sustainable peace agreement.
Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomed the freed hostages and vowed to continue working for the safe return of all remaining captives. “Our duty is not complete until every Israeli hostage returns home,” he said, expressing gratitude to international mediators and the U.S. administration for their support in facilitating the exchange.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is expected to monitor further exchanges under the truce. Negotiations for additional releases are reportedly ongoing as part of the ceasefire framework.
Trump’s visit will include meetings with Israeli, Palestinian, and regional leaders to discuss mechanisms for maintaining peace and rebuilding war-torn Gaza. His arrival and the ceremonial reception underscore Washington’s renewed engagement in Middle East diplomacy.