On Monday, Hamas handed over all 20 surviving hostages to Israel, marking an important step towards ending the two-year war in Gaza. Between the release of the first and second groups of hostages, the plane of US President Donald Trump landed in Israel, where he was to deliver a speech in the Knesset about the end of the war.
Donald Trump wrote in the Knesset visitors' book: «It is a great honor for me — a great and beautiful day. A new beginning». When asked if the two-year war in Gaza was over, he replied: «Yes».
These announcements — about the release of hostages and the end of the war — caused jubilation, hugs, and tears among the thousands of people waiting in Hostage Square in Tel Aviv.
During the meeting with Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. And received an official invitation to the peace conference, which is taking place today in Sharm El Sheikh.
When asked what would happen to Hamas if the group did not adhere to the truce, Trump replied — «they will adhere», noting that Hamas agreed to comply with the disarmament clause provided for in the peace plan.
According to the IDF, Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Zamir met with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US Armed Forces, General Dan Kane. They discussed regional events and close cooperation between the armies.