CITIZENS NEWS

Trump declares "dawn of new Middle East" as Hamas releases last living hostages in historic ceasefire deal

By kevinhughes // 2025-10-15

• Hamas released the last 20 living Israeli hostages after 738 days of captivity. In exchange, Israel freed 1,950 Palestinian prisoners and allowed humanitarian aid into Gaza. The deal was brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, who declared it the "end of the age of terror and death."
• Israeli hostages returned in visibly weakened condition, while only four of the 28 promised deceased hostages were repatriated, sparking outrage. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed military victory, while Trump framed the ceasefire as his diplomatic achievement, crediting U.S. military support for Israel.
• Over 67,800 Palestinians were killed, half of them women and children, with famine claiming 112 children due to Israel's blockade. Amnesty International condemned Israel's actions as "a campaign of starvation" and systemic rights violations.
• UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged further action to secure remains and sustain peace. Hamas warned against Israeli violations, while Iran rejected U.S.-brokered diplomacy. Netanyahu skipped regional peace talks, citing a Jewish holiday, raising doubts about long-term commitment.
• While Trump hailed a "new Middle East," many remain skeptical—Gaza lies in ruins, and unresolved disputes threaten renewed conflict. The hostage deal offers momentary relief, but whether this marks true peace or just a pause remains uncertain.

In a landmark moment signaling a potential turning point in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Hamas released the last 20 living Israeli hostages on Monday, Oct. 13, marking the end of their 738-day captivity. The exchange, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, also saw Israel free 1,950 Palestinian prisoners and commit to allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, where famine and devastation have claimed tens of thousands of lives. Trump, hailed as "the best friend Israel has ever had" by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, proclaimed the ceasefire as "the end of the age of terror and death" and the beginning of "a truly magnificent region." His speech in Israel's parliament was met with thunderous applause, though lingering uncertainties remain over whether the fragile peace will hold. The 20 freed hostages—all men—were handed over in two waves, first seven, then 13, ending their ordeal that began with Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Israeli media noted their visibly weakened conditions, with some forced to wear quasi-military uniforms upon release. Emotional reunions played out across Israel, with families embracing loved ones for the first time in years. However, the return of deceased hostages remains incomplete. Hamas had agreed to repatriate 28 bodies but has so far delivered only four, prompting condemnation from the Hostage and Missing Families Forum, which called the delay a "blatant breach" of the ceasefire agreement. In Tel Aviv, crowds gathered at Hostage Square, weeping as speakers blared "They're Coming Home." "Happy is not the word. It's too small. Unbelievable," said Gila Sharabani, a retired lawyer who spent months supporting hostage families.

Netanyahu declares victory, Trump claims credit for peace

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, standing beside Trump in the Knesset, declared the hostage release a triumph but struck a defiant tone, insisting Israel's military campaign had been justified. "We were right," Netanyahu said. "Our enemies now understand just how powerful and determined Israel is. They understand that attacking Israel on Oct. 7 was a catastrophic mistake." Yet Trump framed the ceasefire as his own diplomatic achievement, recalling telling Netanyahu that history would remember him more for ending the war than for prolonging it. "Bibi would call me so many times asking for weapons—so many that Israel became strong and powerful... that's what led to peace," Trump said, referencing his administration's military support for Israel. The U.S. president also praised his son-in-law Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff for their roles in negotiations. Some Knesset members wore red "TRUMP THE PEACE PRESIDENT" hats, chanting, "Thank you, Trump!"

Palestinian prisoners freed, Gaza's devastation lingers

As part of the deal, Israel released 1,950 Palestinian prisoners—many serving life sentences—with buses transporting them to Ramallah and Gaza. Yet celebrations were tempered by Gaza's staggering humanitarian crisis. The Hamas-run Health Ministry reported over 67,800 Palestinians killed—half women and children—with 200 more bodies recovered from rubble since the ceasefire began. Famine conditions persist, with at least 112 children dead from starvation due to Israel's blockade, which Amnesty International condemned as a "campaign of starvation." According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Amnesty International (AI) is a global non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on human rights, particularly the promotion and defense of prisoners of conscience and victims of human rights abuses. Founded in 1961 by British lawyer Peter Benenson, AI has since grown into a prominent international movement with millions of members and supporters worldwide.

AI's primary mission is to campaign for the release of prisoners of conscience, conduct research and advocacy on human rights issues, and mobilize public support for human rights causes. The organization is known for its extensive research and reporting on human rights violations, as well as its advocacy efforts aimed at influencing governments and international institutions to respect and promote human rights.

Despite Trump's declaration that "the war is over," skepticism remains. "The return of the hostages is one thing, but the end of the war? I'm not confident at all," said Alex Grab, a retired history professor, doubting Hamas' compliance and Netanyahu's commitment to peace.

International reactions and next steps

World leaders gathered in Egypt for a summit aimed at stabilizing the region, though Netanyahu declined to attend, citing a Jewish holiday. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas joined, while Iran refused, criticizing U.S. "unilateralism." United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed relief over the hostage returns but urged further steps to secure remains and sustain peace. Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed that Trump's continued involvement is "crucial" to prevent renewed conflict. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem welcomed Trump's declaration but warned against Israeli violations. "We appreciate international efforts to sustain the ceasefire," he wrote on Telegram. Watch the video below about Hamas hostages on the move after Trump secures peace deal. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com TheGlobeandMail.com NationalHeraldindia.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com

Donald Trump World War III national security Israel politics genocide Middle East Egypt White House big government Hamas chaos Palestine peace humanitarian ceasefire progress Benjamin Netanyahu Amnesty International António Guterres Knesset Gaza Israel-Hamas war Ramallah