Trump names possible date for Israel–Hamas hostage exchange
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
As part of the first phase of the peace agreement reached between Israel and Hamas, the hostages are likely to be released on Monday, according to US President Donald Trump, according to CNN.
Hostage release expected Monday under Israel–Hamas peace deal, says Trump
"The big thing is hostages are going to be released," Trump told Fox News, adding, "would probably be Monday," US President Donald Trump said in a phone interview with Fox News.
He also announced that his administration is establishing a Council of Peace to ensure a lasting end to the conflict in the region.
Gaza reconstruction and UN role
Trump added that other Middle Eastern nations are ready to help rebuild Gaza, though he did not specify which ones.
"It’s going to be very powerful and it’s going to really, I think, to a large extent it’s going to have a lot to do with the, the whole Gaza situation," Trump said. "People are going to be taken care of. It’s going to be a different world."
He noted that the United States will also take part to "help make the process successful" and secure long-term peace in the enclave.
Earlier, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the United Nations will support the full implementation of the ceasefire and hostage-release deal in Gaza.
"The UN will expand stable and principled humanitarian assistance and contribute to Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction," Guterres said.
Trump's Gaza peace plan
Last week, Trump unveiled a 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza. The document proposes creating an international Council of Peace to oversee a technocratic, non-political Palestinian committee responsible for Gaza’s daily governance. The council would be chaired by Trump himself alongside former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas began in Egypt on October 6, mediated by officials from Egypt, the US, and Qatar.
On October 8, Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had signed the first phase of his peace plan, which includes the release of hostages and Israeli troop withdrawal to agreed-upon positions.
The US president is set to visit Israel early next week at the invitation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he is expected to address the Knesset.
