Trump Lands in Israel as Hostages Released: Key Updates, Peace Talks

Trump Lands at Ben Gurion Airport: Strong US-Israel Ties on Show

Today, US President Donald Trump Lands in Israel's Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. He was greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his wife Sara, US special envoy Steve Witkoff, adviser Jared Kushner, and Trump’s daughter Ivanka. Smiling and raising his fist, Trump stepped off the plane as Israeli and US officials gathered for this high-stakes visit.​

Hostage Release Begins as US Diplomacy Delivers

Trump’s arrival coincides with a hopeful moment: Hamas is now releasing Israeli hostages as part of a major ceasefire agreement. Israel is prepared to receive 48 hostages—20 of whom are alive—while promising to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in response.

• Hostage families gathered in Tel Aviv, expressing relief as the first exchanges occurred.

• Security has been ramped up in Israel for the visit, with thousands of officers deployed.youtube​

What President Trump Will Do in Israel

Trump’s next stop is an address to the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, in Jerusalem. There, he’s scheduled to meet the families of released and still-missing hostages to show US support.​

• Trump is expected to outline US peace goals and urge Israeli lawmakers to back the 20-point peace plan.

• He will meet with hostage families, many of whom have waited anxiously for news.

Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit: Global Focus on Gaza Conflict

After Jerusalem, President Trump will fly to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, co-chairing a global peace summit. Over 20 world leaders—including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer—are set to attend, aiming to discuss the next phase of Gaza’s recovery and the future of the Middle East.​

• The summit is dedicated to securing a permanent ceasefire, rebuilding Gaza, and reducing regional tensions.

• US and Egyptian presidents will present a peace framework, with input from the UN, EU, France, Turkey, and key Arab states.

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Ceasefire Brings Optimism, But Uncertainty Remains

This visit follows a violent two-year Gaza conflict that claimed more than 67,000 Palestinian and around 1,200 Israeli lives, with more than 250 hostages taken in the initial October 2023 attacks.​

• Trump said, “the war is over,” and expressed his hope for lasting peace, praising international mediators for their efforts.

• Some experts warn it will take compromise and sustained diplomacy to stabilize the region.

Image/Thumbnail credit: Reuters