Hamas to Free Israeli Hostages as Part of Trump-Led Peace Deal

A cautious calm has settled over Gaza following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as the first stage of a U.S.-backed peace initiative comes into effect. Beginning Monday morning, Hamas will release dozens of Israeli hostages in return for Israel freeing around 2,000 Palestinian detainees — a major step in what Washington describes as “a pathway toward lasting peace.”

The process unfolds ahead of a high-level peace summit in Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, to be co-chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, with more than 20 world leaders expected to attend.

A fragile truce and first exchanges

The ceasefire, which took effect at noon on Friday, halted two years of devastating conflict that claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and left much of Gaza in ruins. Israeli forces have since pulled back from key areas, including Gaza City and Khan Younis, while maintaining positions along the Rafah border and parts of northern Gaza.

According to U.N. officials, large-scale humanitarian aid deliveries are expected to begin Sunday, aiming to reach hundreds of thousands displaced by the fighting. Hamas is due to start freeing 48 hostages — roughly 20 believed to be alive — while Israel will release approximately 2,000 Palestinians, including both prisoners and those detained during the war.

Trump’s plan for “a strong and lasting peace”

President Trump hailed the agreement as “a strong, durable, and everlasting peace.” His 20-point roadmap includes the creation of a narrow security buffer inside Gaza along Israel’s border, as well as the deployment of an Arab-led multinational security force supported by Egyptian and Jordanian-trained Palestinian police.

Jared Kushner, Trump’s senior adviser and son-in-law, told supporters at a rally in Israel on Saturday: “On Monday, we celebrate the beginning of a new chapter for peace.”

Disarmament and withdrawal at the heart of talks

Yet many issues remain unresolved. Israel insists on Hamas’ full disarmament, while Hamas demands a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops and guarantees that the ceasefire will not be used as a pretext for renewed attacks.

At the same time, discussions continue over Gaza’s postwar governance. Trump’s plan proposes an interim international administration — possibly led by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair — to oversee reconstruction and coordinate local governance through a council of Palestinian technocrats. Hamas, however, maintains that “Gaza’s leadership must be decided by Palestinians themselves.”

“We rely on Trump’s guarantees,” says Hamas

Hamas officials say they agreed to release hostages first based on assurances from President Trump that Israel’s full withdrawal will follow. How long the process will take — weeks, months, or even years — remains uncertain.

Uncertain future for Gaza

While Israel seeks to eliminate Hamas’ political and military influence, it has rejected any renewed role for the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority. Reconstruction of Gaza — where more than two million people face severe humanitarian challenges — will depend on the emergence of a new governing structure acceptable to all sides.

Hope and skepticism on both sides

For Israelis, the release of the last remaining hostages brings a measure of relief after two years of national trauma. In Gaza, the pause in fighting offers a glimmer of hope that aid will reach those in need, yet fears persist that Israel could resume its military operations at any sign of breakdown.

Many Palestinians remain skeptical that Israel will allow large-scale reconstruction or long-term stability. Meanwhile, pressure from Washington and regional allies may prove crucial in preventing a renewed escalation.

A fragile peace under watchful eyes

Whether the Sharm el-Sheikh summit can translate this truce into lasting peace remains to be seen. For now, the ceasefire offers a brief respite — a moment of fragile calm after years of devastation, as both sides weigh what peace might truly cost.