President Donald Trump said Israel and Hamas “reached a momentous breakthrough” agreement on Wednesday, saying, “We ended the war in Gaza.”
All remaining hostages held by Hamas will be released on Monday or Tuesday, Trump said, speaking at a cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday. This includes the remains of 28 dead hostages, Trump said.
Trump called the Oct. 7 attack “terrible,” but acknowledged the deaths of 70,000 Palestinians — calling it “big retribution” for Hamas.
While Trump and his team are celebrating the first phase of a ceasefire agreement, he declined on Thursday to discuss what comes next.
Trump repeatedly refused to engage on questions about phase 2 or detail any guarantees to ensure the war does not continue after the hostages are released.
US President Donald Trump tells reporters onboard Air Force One the “war is over” as he travels to the Middle East.
It comes as Israel is waiting for Hamas to release the remaining hostages – under the terms of the ceasefire deal they have until 12:00 local time.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says “tomorrow is the beginning of a new path” – but warns there are still “very big security challenges” ahead.
