Hamas Urges Trump and Mediators to Prevent Resumption of Israeli Strikes on Gaza

Hamas has called on U.S. President Donald Trump and international mediators to ensure Israel does not resume what it described as “aggression” against the people of Gaza, following the handover of the remaining Israeli hostages under a ceasefire deal.

On Monday, Hamas released the last 20 surviving Israeli hostages as part of an agreement brokered by President Trump, in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons.

The exchange came as President Trump arrived in Israel for a brief visit before heading to Egypt for a high-profile peace summit, declaring that the Gaza war was “over.”

According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and security agencies, seven hostages were initially transferred to Red Cross custody and later handed over to Israeli forces. Israeli public broadcasters later confirmed that 13 more hostages had been released, completing the group of 20 survivors.

In Tel Aviv, thousands gathered at Hostages Square, breaking into tears and song as news of the releases spread. “I’m torn between joy and sadness for those who won’t be coming back,” said Noga, a relative of one of the freed hostages.

Under the same ceasefire terms, Hamas is expected to return the bodies of 27 hostages who died in captivity, along with the remains of a soldier killed during the 2014 Gaza conflict.

Israel’s Prison Authority said preparations were underway at Ofer Prison and other facilities to release Palestinian detainees, including 250 convicted of security-related offenses. Around 1,700 others were detained in Gaza during the recent fighting.

The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel marked one of the deadliest days in the country’s history, killing 1,219 people, most of them civilians, and resulting in the capture of 251 hostages. Prior truces had led to the release of all but 47 hostages before Monday’s final exchange.

For many in Gaza, the ceasefire has brought temporary relief, but the devastation remains overwhelming. “I returned to Sheikh Radwan with my heart trembling,” said 38-year-old Fatima Salem, who came back to what remained of her neighborhood in Gaza City. “Nothing looked the same — even the neighbors’ homes were gone. Still, I missed the smell of my house, even if it’s now just rubble.”

Meanwhile, several buses were seen leaving Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank on Monday carrying freed Palestinian prisoners as part of the reciprocal release.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the final 20 Israeli hostages had safely arrived in the country, posting on X: “Welcome home,” and listing their names, including Matan Angrest, Gali Berman, Elkana Bohbot, and Avinatan Or, among others.

Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas are expected to attend the Sharm El-Sheikh peace summit in Egypt. The Egyptian presidency said the summit, hosted by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, aims to solidify the ceasefire and outline steps toward long-term stability in Gaza.