Trump declares “Peace in the Middle East” as hostages and prisoners return home | BBC News

Key Concepts

• Hostages Square: A central plaza in Tel Aviv, serving as the focal point for campaigns demanding the release of hostages.
• Knesset: The parliament of Israel.
• IDF (Israel Defense Forces): The military forces of Israel.
• International Red Cross: A humanitarian organization that facilitated the transfer of hostages.
• Two-State Solution: A proposed resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating for an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
• International Stabilization Force: A concept mentioned by Donald Trump for the future governance and security of Gaza.
• Demilitarization: The process of removing military forces, weapons, and fortifications from an area.
• Ceasefire: A temporary suspension of fighting, agreed upon by warring parties.
• Phase One of Donald Trump's Peace Plan: The initial stage of a broader peace initiative, focusing on the exchange of hostages and prisoners.
• Perpetual Conflict: A term used by King Abdullah of Jordan to describe what he perceives as the strategic endgame of Prime Minister Netanyahu's government.

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A Day of Releases and Diplomatic Maneuvers in the Middle East

The day marked a significant turning point in the Middle East, witnessing the release of all surviving hostages held by Hamas, abducted during the October 7, 2023 attacks. In exchange, Israel released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, fulfilling "phase one of Donald Trump's peace plan." The day was characterized by intense emotions, relief, and diplomatic activity, though significant obstacles to lasting peace remain.

Hostage Release and Israeli Reactions

The day began with "euphoric scenes" in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square as images of the 20 living hostages being reunited with their families were broadcast on a giant screen. The process involved the International Red Cross transporting the hostages from Gaza to the Israeli military (IDF). Notable individuals released included:

• Omry: A 48-year-old father of two from Kibbutz Nakalos, whose release was watched by his wife, Vishai.
• Matan Angress: A 22-year-old soldier, reportedly "badly hurt by Hamas during violent interrogations."
• Matan Zanga: A 25-year-old, reunited with his mother, who called him "My hero." A quarter of the 400 residents of their Kibbutz near Oz were killed or taken hostage on October 7.
• Bar Cooperstein: A 23-year-old, whose mother Julie last saw him before he went to work at the Nova Music Festival, where "almost 400 people were killed."

However, the joy was tempered by anger over Hamas's failure to return the bodies of all 28 deceased hostages, with only four brought back. This caused "real anger" among relatives, and Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, posted on social media: "Any delay or deliberate avoidance will be considered a gross violation of the agreement and will be responded to accordingly."

Criticism of Israeli Leadership

Gil Dickman, whose cousin Kamil Got was "murdered after 328 days in captivity" in a tunnel in Rafa in late August 2024, criticized Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Dickman stated, "42 hostages were murdered in captivity. Does that mean that his strategy worked? I don't think so," challenging Netanyahu's repeated claims that his strategy was effective even when hostages died.

Aviva Seagull, a hostage released in an earlier ceasefire, expressed "exploding with joy" for the families but also highlighted her own traumatic experience: "I was there. I touched death and I went through the worst time that any person should ever ever go through for for for 51 days." Her husband, Keith, was held for 484 days, returning "like a skeleton," having been "hidden, starved" and "wasn't treated like a person."

Palestinian Prisoner Release and Reactions

Concurrently, Israel released approximately 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1,700 detainees. These individuals were transferred by bus to the occupied West Bank and Gaza, where they were met by "cheering crowds" and given a "hero's welcome." Palestinians view these prisoners as "national heroes."

• Murad Abu Robab: Aayida waited for her brother, Murad, who had been in prison for 20 years. However, Murad's name, initially slated for release, was moved to a list of deportees, leaving his family inconsolable and his whereabouts unclear.
• Ibrahim Sahul: Released in Khan Younis, he expressed delight, stating, "I can't believe I'm coming home. This is the first time I've seen the sky without a fence. I salute all the fighters."
• Muhammad al-Bakri: Imprisoned since March last year, he accused Israel of torture, stating, "They were the worst experience of our lives. We were subjected to burning, beating, subressions, and breaking of bones. Our bodies beer the marks."

The reception in Gaza also signaled a sense of relief that it was now safe to gather in large crowds, and a hope that the ceasefire could become permanent. However, footage also emerged of Hamas fighters appearing to execute members of a rival armed clan, showcasing Hamas's continued control and internal dynamics in Gaza.

Donald Trump's Diplomatic Triumph

Donald Trump flew into Israel, receiving a "rapturous reception and standing ovations" in the Knesset, where he "hailed the historic dawn of a new Middle East." He was seen as a "national hero for Israelis" and "the greatest friend that the state of Israel has ever had in the White House." Trump took credit for the hostage deal and ceasefire, which he described as a "genuine diplomatic triumph."

During his address, Trump reassured Israelis that "Gaza will be immediately demilitarized, that Hamas will be disarmed, and Israel security will no longer be threatened in any way, shape, or form." He also criticized allies, including the UK, for condemning Israel and recognizing Palestine, accusing them of succumbing to "Hamas's false propaganda" and "anti-Semitic mobs." Two MPs were ejected from the Knesset for interrupting Trump to demand a Palestinian state.

Following his visit to Israel, Trump quickly moved to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt for a "whistle-stop peace summit" where the ceasefire deal was officially signed off with other world leaders. He emphasized that this was the "start of that process, not the end of it," acknowledging that "some of the hardest negotiations still haven't happened yet."

Challenges to Lasting Peace: Perspectives from King Abdullah

King Abdullah of Jordan, the longest-serving leader in the region with over 50% Palestinian population in his country, participated in the Sharm el-Sheikh summit. He stressed that "a lasting peace is a personal and a national imperative," warning that "if we don't solve this problem, we're going to be at it again." He firmly advocated for a "two-state solution" as "the only way forward," stating, "If we don't find a future for Israelis and Palestinians and a relationship between the Arab Muslim world and Israel, we're doomed."

King Abdullah expressed skepticism about achieving lasting peace with Prime Minister Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition, stating, "From my experiences, no." He argued that Netanyahu's "strategic ending game is perpetual conflict," which allows them to "stay in power." He also highlighted the importance of President Trump's continued engagement, particularly as the process moves into "phase two," where "the devil is in the detail" and there's an "opportunity for mischief."

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The day brought immense relief and joy to many, both Israelis and Palestinians, who are "fed up with war." The release of hostages and prisoners marked a significant step, but it is widely understood that this is a ceasefire and an exchange, "it is not peace." The underlying issues, including the governance of Gaza, security, Hamas's weapons, and the deep roots of the conflict, remain unresolved. The lack of trust between both sides is palpable, as evidenced by the dispute over the bodies of deceased hostages. While there was "hope... and joy" in Tel Aviv, Gaza, and the West Bank, the sentiment is that "relief will collide with reality," and the path to a comprehensive and lasting peace remains fraught with challenges.