Trump Hails “Great and Beautiful Day” as Hamas Frees 20 Israeli Hostages Under Gaza Peace Plan

Tel Aviv, Oct 2025 : US President Donald Trump on Monday described the release of 20 Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity as a “great and beautiful day,” calling it the beginning of a new chapter for peace in the Middle East. The release marked the first major success of Trump’s Gaza peace plan, which aims to end years of conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Upon arriving at Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset, Trump signed the guestbook, writing in bold letters with his signature black Sharpie, “This is my great honour. A great and beautiful day, a new beginning.” He is expected to meet families of the freed hostages and later address the Knesset, becoming only the fourth US president to do so.

Speaking to reporters, Trump reiterated that the long and devastating war in Gaza was over. “This is a great day. This is a whole new beginning, and I think there’s never been an event like it. The love in the streets has just been incredible,” he said, as quoted by the Times of Israel.

When asked what would happen if Hamas failed to uphold the ceasefire agreement, Trump responded confidently, “They’ll comply.”

Referring to the freed hostages, Trump said, “We’re so happy for them. They’ve been very brave, and now they’re going to have a great life ahead.”

Earlier in the day, Hamas handed over all 20 surviving hostages in Gaza to the Red Cross as part of the first phase of the US-brokered deal. The exchange was widely seen as a major breakthrough after years of violence and mistrust.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog personally welcomed Trump upon his arrival at Ben-Gurion International Airport. Before boarding his flight to Israel, Trump called the visit “a special time.”

“This is going to be a very special time… Yesterday and today, hundreds of thousands of people in Israel, and across Muslim and Arab countries, are celebrating together. That’s never happened before. Everyone is cheering — together — and it’s an honour to be part of this,” Trump said.

The visit marks a symbolic and diplomatic milestone in Trump’s efforts to reshape the political landscape of the Middle East.