United States President Donald Trump delivered a live speech in Jerusalem on the morning of Sunday, October 13, 2025, announcing the complete release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The event took place at the Israeli Knesset, attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and regional leaders. The statement followed U.S.-mediated negotiations that led to an initial ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Trump emphasized that the agreement swiftly resolves the conflict, with all hostages, both living and deceased, to be returned within 72 hours. He highlighted the role of advisors like Jared Kushner in the Abraham Accords, which served as a foundation for the current plan. The goal is to establish lasting peace in the region, focusing on Gaza’s reconstruction.
Israeli authorities confirmed the receipt of hostages at border exchange points, coordinated by the UN and the Red Crescent. Hamas agreed to the release in exchange for the freedom of 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 detained since October 7, 2023.
- All 20 identified living hostages will be transferred first.
- Remains of at least 24 deceased will follow the schedule.
- Humanitarian aid enters Gaza immediately after the exchanges.
Details of the ceasefire agreement
The plan presented by Trump includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, maintaining a temporary security perimeter. An international stabilization force will train Palestinian security forces to maintain order. Israel approved the scheme in a cabinet meeting on Friday, October 10.
Qatari and Egyptian negotiators confirmed the terms, including conditional amnesty for Hamas members committing to demilitarization. The agreement establishes a U.S.-supervised peace council to monitor compliance.
Recognition of allies in the process
Trump publicly thanked Jared Kushner for his contributions to the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel and Arab nations. Ivanka Trump, married to Kushner, was present at the Jerusalem event. The president praised his son-in-law as a key negotiator.
Marco Rubio, nominated for Secretary of State, was acknowledged for his firm stance in discussions. Pete Hegseth, future Secretary of Defense, was highlighted for rebuilding U.S. armed forces.
Vision for Gaza’s future
The U.S. proposal includes investments in Gaza’s infrastructure, focusing on housing and the economy. A UN peacekeeping force will oversee the entry of supplies, ensuring equitable distribution. The plan paves the way for negotiations on Palestinian self-determination.
Allied governments committed to funding initial reconstruction projects. Experts in international relations predict the agreement could expand the Abraham Accords to more countries.
The text incorporates elements of recent negotiations, with prisoner exchanges in sequential phases. Palestinian representatives requested guarantees against future violations.
Progress in bilateral negotiations
American diplomats worked for months in Doha and Cairo to align positions. Hamas submitted a final hostage list on Thursday, October 9. Israel verified identities through humanitarian channels.
The White House released the timeline: release within 72 hours, followed by troop withdrawal in 30 days. International observers monitor Gaza’s northern perimeter.
Parallel meetings occurred with Jordanian and Egyptian leaders for logistical support. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi confirmed participation in border exchanges.
Intelligence sources reported that the agreement prevents regional escalations, with Iran and Hezbollah maintaining neutrality. Israeli medical teams prepared to receive returnees in Tel Aviv hospitals.
Contributions of American advisors
Jared Kushner led initial dialogue rounds, based on the 2020 Abraham Accords model. Trump described the process as “eight wars resolved in eight months,” including the Gaza conflict.
Ivanka Trump participated in parallel Jerusalem events focused on economic cooperation. The Kushner-Trump couple was credited with uniting pro-peace factions.
Marco Rubio pressed for sanctions against Hamas in UN forums, accelerating concessions. His State nomination reinforces U.S. commitment to the region.
Pete Hegseth coordinated indirect military support, ensuring Israeli forces repositioned without losses.
- Kushner: Author of Abraham Accords.
- Rubio: Diplomatic pressure at the UN.
- Hegseth: Defense logistics.
Hostage release stages
The first transfers occurred at the Rafah border at 6 a.m. local time, with 10 living hostages confirmed. Red Cross teams transported individuals to medical centers.
Remains follow in a separate convoy, identified by DNA in international laboratories. Israeli families await reunions in Jerusalem.
Hamas released custody documents detailing the conditions of captives since October 7, 2023. Medical authorities reported varied health conditions among returnees.
Israel began releasing Palestinian prisoners from a high-security prison near Tel Aviv. The process occurs in batches, synchronized with Gaza’s returns.
Initial reconstruction in Gaza
UN workers started assessing damage to Gaza’s infrastructure, prioritizing water and electricity. U.S. donations of $500 million fund urgent repairs.
Israeli companies proposed partnerships for solar energy projects in the region. The Trump plan allocates funds for local workforce training.
The Palestinian government appointed committees to manage aid, with independent auditor oversight. Food and medicine deliveries crossed the border in 200-truck convoys.
Gaza residents reported relief with the end of bombings, allowing returns to residential areas.
Trump’s Knesset speech
Trump began the speech referencing past negotiations, like those with Vladimir Putin. He credited his administration with avoiding global conflicts, including Ukraine.
The president mentioned family conversions, such as Ivanka’s to Judaism, highlighting personal ties to Israel. Netanyahu applauded the agreement’s terms during the session.
The Knesset audience included Arab ambassadors signatory to the Abraham Accords. Trump promised annual visits to monitor peace.
The 45-minute event was broadcast globally via state networks.
