President Donald Trump arrived in Tel Aviv on Monday, timed with the commencement of hostage handovers under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The first seven Israeli hostages were released by Hamas and transferred via the Red Cross, with more expected in the coming hours.
In a statement upon landing, Israeli officials welcomed the former U.S. president, noting that Trump would address the Knesset and participate in follow-on diplomatic engagements. A reception was held at Ben Gurion Airport, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other dignitaries greeted him.
Earlier today, Hamas carried out the first phase of the agreement by releasing several hostages. Israel confirmed the handover of seven living captives, alongside the remains of others, in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees.
The deal also provides for a partial repositioning of Israeli military forces in Gaza, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the establishment of a framework for Gaza’s future governance and security architecture.
Though Trump’s visit is seen as a symbolic and strategic milestone, observers note that many issues remain unresolved including Hamas’s disarmament, the long-term governance of Gaza, and ensuring the ceasefire holds.
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