All 20 Israeli hostages freed after more than 700 days in captivity
(NBC, KYMA) - After more than 700 days, all 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas are now back in Israel Monday morning, back with families and safe.
The first phase of President Donald Trump's peace plan is underway, with cheers filling the so-called hostage square as news of the hostages had crossed out of Gaza, and the world waits to see if the fragile ceasefire will hold.
President Trump was in Israel to speak before that country's governing body before heading to Egypt for a peace summit.
The first images of Israeli hostages held for two years in darkness and deprivation in Gaza are finally back in the light and transferred by the Red Cross to be reunited with their waiting families.
In Tel Aviv's hostage square, Israelis cheered the moment they have prayed and protested for and chanted, "Thank you, Trump."
As Trump addressed the Knesset, Israel's legislature, he celebrated the peace deal he brokered.
"Generations from now, this will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change, and change very much for the better," Trump expressed.
He earlier declared the war is over, in contrast to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning the military campaign is not over.
Israel and Hamas have so far agreed to Phase One, the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners while the fighting pauses, and Israeli forces pulling back to new lines within Gaza and desperately needed aid flows in.
But thornier questions remain about Hamas disarming and leaving power, and how to govern and rebuild Gaza as Palestinians flood back to whatever remains of their homes.
For now, though an emotional release and rejoicing, one hostage family saw their loved one first by phone.
Trump met with some hostage families before a peace ceremony in Egypt, marking a major diplomatic achievement and long-sought relief after two years of devastating war.
Some 20 heads of state are set to join Monday's peace summit in Egypt, including Arab leaders, critical to the negotiations and to helping rebuild.
Trump again is promoting his proposal for an international board of peace that would oversee reconstruction in Gaza.
