U.S. President Donald Trump is heading to Israel to attend a special ceremony aimed at securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The ceremony marks the official implementation of the recent ceasefire agreement intended to free hostages captured by Hamas in Gaza. The deadline for the release of all hostages under Hamas control has been set for Monday at 12 noon local time.
Before departing for Israel, Trump told reporters that “the war is over.” He added that the ceasefire would hold and that a “Board of Peace” for Gaza would soon be established. Trump also praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatar for their mediation role in achieving the ceasefire.
The war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel.
The Status of Bipin Remains Unknown
That attack killed around 1,200 people, including 10 Nepalis. A total of 251 individuals, including Bipin Joshi from Kanchanpur, were taken hostage. Nepal’s Ambassador to Israel, Dhan Prasad Pandit, said that Bipin’s condition remains unknown. Following the attack, Israel declared war and intensified its military operations. According to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including over 18,000 children.
The ceasefire, brokered by Trump, came into effect last Friday morning. Under the first phase of the 20-point peace plan, Hamas will release the hostages it captured. Officials said that the remaining issues will be addressed through further negotiations.
In the first phase, it is believed that around 20 Israeli hostages are still alive, while Hamas is preparing to return the bodies of 28 deceased hostages.
According to the agreement, Israel will release approximately 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees from Gaza. Israeli government spokespersons stated that the Palestinian prisoners will only be freed once the released Israeli hostages safely reach Israeli territory. They also confirmed that the amount of humanitarian aid entering Gaza will be increased.
Trump to Address the Israeli Parliament
Trump is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Monday and address the Israeli Parliament (Knesset). Afterward, he will join Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi at a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh.
According to Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a “Document to End the Gaza War” will be signed during the summit.
More than 20 world leaders are expected to attend the event, including U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Trump: “The Ceasefire Will Hold”
When asked by the BBC whether the ceasefire would last, Trump replied confidently, “The ceasefire will hold. I know how to end wars and establish peace.”
Trump expressed optimism that the war-torn Gaza Strip would soon return to normalcy. He said the “Board of Peace” would be established shortly to oversee Gaza’s recovery and governance.
Following the ceasefire agreement last Friday, hundreds of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to express their gratitude toward the United States and Trump’s peace initiative.
However, analysts have warned that the next phases of the peace plan may face major challenges — especially regarding the governance of Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the disarmament of Hamas.
