Former U.S. President Donald Trump entered the Knesset chamber in Jerusalem to sustained applause and trumpet fanfare before delivering a delayed address. Among the U.S. officials present were Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine. Trump also met with families of former hostages before departing for Egypt later in the day.
Under a new agreement, Israel freed more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees and agreed to allow a large-scale delivery of food and humanitarian aid into famine-hit Gaza. Trump is scheduled to meet other regional leaders in Egypt later on Monday to discuss the post-war plan, according to AP.
Buses carrying the released prisoners arrived in Ramallah in the West Bank after departing Ofer prison. Additionally, at least one bus crossed into Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Prisoners Office. Hamas spokesman Hazem Kassem welcomed Trump’s declaration that “the war in Gaza is over” and urged mediators and the international community to ensure Israel does not resume hostilities.
60 Bodies Recovered in Gaza
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that the bodies of 60 Palestinians were recovered from beneath the rubble of destroyed buildings in the past 24 hours. This brings the total number of bodies recovered since the ceasefire took effect and Israeli forces withdrew from several areas to 200.
The ministry noted that many more people remain trapped under debris, especially in areas still inaccessible to rescue teams. According to the ministry, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 67,800 Palestinians, with an estimated half of the dead being women and children.
Iran Declines Gaza Summit Invitation
Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced it declined an invitation to attend the Sharm el-Sheikh summit in Egypt, citing national interests and criticizing the U.S.’s “unilateralist policy.” Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the decision followed internal consultations and was made “to secure the better interests of the country.”
UN Chief Welcomes Hostage Release
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed that he was “profoundly relieved” that the hostages in Gaza had regained their freedom after enduring “immense suffering.” Speaking from Sharm el-Sheikh—where world leaders gathered to support the ceasefire—Guterres urged all parties to uphold their commitments and “end the nightmare in Gaza.” He also called for the return of the remains of deceased hostages.
Erdogan to Attend Egypt Summit
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government played a key role in brokering the ceasefire, will attend the summit and deliver a speech, his office announced. The meeting will be co-chaired by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and attended by leaders from more than 20 countries.
Egypt Hails Trump’s Role in Ceasefire
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told The Associated Press that Trump’s continued engagement was “crucial” to the success of the peace process. He emphasized that the first phase of the ceasefire must be fully implemented before moving to the more complex second stage, stressing that “it is all about his engagement.”
