Donald Trump has addressed Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, as the country celebrates the return of the remaining living hostages held by Hamas for two years.
The hostages were returned from their captivity in Gaza to Israel to be reunited with their families on Monday.
They were handed by the captors to the Red Cross before being taken home by Israel’s military.
Their release under the first phase of a ceasefire agreement ends 738 days in captivity since Hamas launched its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, sparking a devastating two-year war in Gaza.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinians prisoners held by Israel are being released.
The US President declared “the war is over” as he flew to Israel on Air Force One to address the Knesset.
He arrived in Tel Aviv where he was met on a red carpet by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
A surge of humanitarian aid is expected into famine-stricken Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless.
Follow the latest updates below...
Key Points
- Deadly clashes between Hamas and rival militias in Gaza hours before 'historic' Israeli hostage release
- First Israeli hostages handed to Red Cross
- All 20 hostages who are still alive have been released by Hamas
- Moment freed hostage Bar Kupershtein reunited with his family
- Recap: What has happened today so far
Trump salutes mega donor Miriam Adelson for help shaping US decisions on Israel
14:50 , Megan HowePresident Donald Trump, in a speech to Israel’s parliament, spotlighted mega-donor Miriam Adelson’s outsized influence on US policy toward Israel, recalling her frequent White House visits with her late husband, casino mogul Sheldon Adelson.
Sheldon Adelson, who died in 2021, assembled the world's largest casino empire as head of Las Vegas Sands Corp and put much of his fortune into nurturing conservative politicians and policies in the United States and Israel.
Both Adelsons have been known for their philanthropy and business ventures in Israel and donations to Jewish causes.
“She loves Israel,” Trump told the Knesset on Monday, crediting the couple with shaping decisions like his 2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, his 2018 move of the US embassy to the holy city, and his 2019 endorsement of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights.
US president waves goodbye as he leaves Israel
14:29 , Alastair Lockhart
Trump has boarded Air Force One after bidding farewell to Netanyahu and other Israeli officials.
He pumped his fist in the air and waved to the crowds ahead of taking off to a summit in Egypt.
The US president will meet with Sir Keir Starmer and other world leaders at the peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh.
Trump calls for Netanyahu pardon
14:12 , Alastair Lockhart
During his speech, Trump called for Israel’s president Isaac Herzog to pardon Benjamin Netanyahu.
The US president said:"Hey, I have an idea. Mr. President, why don't you give him a pardon? Cigars and some champagne — who the hell cares?" referring to the fraud, bribery and breach of trust charges, which Netanyahu denies.
Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 in three cases, one of which includes receiving almost 700,000 shekels ($210,000) in gifts from businessmen, including champagne and cigars.
Israel's President holds a largely ceremonial role but he does have authority to pardon convicted criminal if there are unusual circumstances presented. However, there has been no ruling in Netanyahu's long-running trial which began in 2020 and has been interrupted frequently during two years of war and Middle East upheaval. He has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing.
Trump in June called for Netanyahu's trial to be cancelled. Netanyahu has cast his legal ordeal as a left-wing witch-hunt aimed at toppling an elected right-wing leader.
Man who interrupted Trump speech calls for Palestinian statehood
13:56 , Alastair Lockhartהוציאו אותי מהמליאה רק כי העליתי את הדרישה הפשוטה ביותר, דרישה שכל הקהילה הבינלאומית מסכימה עליה:
— איימן עודה أيمن عودة Ayman Odeh (@AyOdeh) October 13, 2025
להכיר במדינה פלסטינית.
להכיר במציאות הפשוטה הזו:
יש כאן שני עמים, ואף אחד לא זז מכאן. pic.twitter.com/vIsj4KG7vf
The member of Israel’s Knesset that interrupted Trump’s speech earlier has again called for Palestinian statehood on social media.
Ayman Odeh held up a sign which said “Recognise Palestine” during the speech before being thrown out.
In a statement on social media, he repeated the plea.
Mr Odeh wrote in Hebrew: “They removed me from the plenum just because I raised the simplest demand, a demand that the entire international community agrees on: To recognize a Palestinian state.
“To recognize this simple reality: There are two peoples here, and neither is going anywhere.”
Jubilant scenes in Gaza as prisoners are released
13:50 , Alastair Lockhart
Huge crowds have gathered in Ramallah and Khan Younis in Gaza to welcome back the hundreds of prisoners that have been released by Israel.
There have been emotional scenes as former prisoners have reunited with friends and family - often after years in prison.
The Palestinians are being brought to Gaza on coaches run by the Red Cross International Committee.
Israeli hostages return home
13:33 , Alastair Lockhart
Hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have returned home after being held captive for more than two years.
They include Alon Ohel, who has just returned to Beilinson Hospital in the Rabin Medical Centre in Petah Tikva, central Israel.
A total of 20 living hostages have been released back to Israel today.
They are expected to be followed by the bodies of 28 hostages who died or were killed in captivity.
In exchange, Israel is releasing 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees.
Trump concludes Knesset speech
13:21 , Alastair LockhartThe US president has concluded his remarks to the Israeli parliament, which went on for considerably longer than expected.
He received yet another standing ovation from the Knesset after concluding his speech.
In the speech, President Trump hailed the success of his peace deal and praised Israel’s military action against Hamas in Gaza.
He also praised the strength of the US-Israel friendship, saying "I love Israel, I'm with you all the way”, as he finished.
Watch: Moment Knesset members expelled after disrupting Trump speech
13:03 , Matt WattsTwo left-wing members of the Knesset, identified in Israeli media reports as Ofer Cassif and Ayman Odeh, were escorted out by security after heckling the US president.
Trump says bombing of Iran nuclear sites was key to peace
13:01 , Matt WattsDonald Trump has said the peace deal couldn't have happened without the US bombing three of Iran's nuclear sites.
The US President said: "We took a big cloud off the Middle East and off Israel".
Trump has previously spoken of how the US airstrikes on Iran in June caused “monumental damage” to nuclear sites
The US president says that "Israel, with our help, has won all they can" saying now it's time for "peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East".
Only four deceased hostages to be returned today
12:55 , Matt WattsThe Hostages and Missing Families Forum says it has been told that only four of the 28 deceased hostages held by Hamas will be returned today.
The group, that support and advocate for the families of the hostages, said: "This represents a blatant breach of the agreement by Hamas”.
"The mediators must enforce the agreement’s terms and ensure Hamas pays a price for this violation," the statement added.
It urged the Israeli government to take "immediate action to rectify this grave injustice".
Under the ceasefire agreement the remains of all of the deceased hostages should also be handed over by midday local time (9am BST) on Monday.
But the agreement also appears to acknowledge that Hamas and other Palestinian factions may not be able to locate all of them within that timeframe.
Trump's speech interrupted by left-wing Knesset members
12:42 , Matt WattsMore now on the heckling that Donald Trump received near the start of his speech.
Two left-wing members of the Knesset, Ofer Cassif and Ayman Odeh, were escorted out by security after they interrupted the US President, according to reports.
One of the Israeli parliament members held up a piece of paper that said “Recognise Palestine”.
Shouting was also heard.
Trump: 'This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East'
12:36 , Matt WattsDonald Trump has called the ceasefire the "historic dawn of a new Middle East”.
He thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who he called a "man of exceptional courage”.
He also thanked the Arab nations who helped with negotiations, hailing an "incredible triumph".
He said it will now be "the golden age of Israel", as well as for the whole region.
Trump hails 'end of an age of terror and death'
12:25 , Matt WattsMore now from Donald Trump’s speech.
Trump said that "after so many years of unceasing war and endless danger, today the skies are calm, the guns are silent and the sirens are still".
"This is not only the end of a war, this is the end of an age of terror and death and the beginning of the age of faith and hope, and of God," he said.
"It's the start of a grand concord and lasting harmony for Israel and all the nations of what will soon be a truly magnificent region."
The US president then gets Benjamin Netanyahu to stand, and he tells the Knesset "he's not the easiest guy to deal with".
"But that's what makes him great," Trump added.
Trump speech interrupted
12:19 , Matt WattsDonald Trump’s speech was interrupted, reportedly by a left-wing member of the Knesset.
A man who appeared to be shouting at the US president was quickly approached by security and removed.
"That was very efficient," said Trump before resuming his speech.
Trump calls it 'day of profound joy and soaring hope'
12:17 , Matt WattsDonald Trump tells the Knesset: “We gather on a day of profound joy and soaring hope."
"After two harrowing years in darkness and captivity, 20 courageous hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families. Twenty-eight more precious loved ones are coming home at last to rest in this sacred soil for all of time”, he said.
"The guns are silent," he says, adding that the region is now "at peace" and saying hopefully it will remain so "for eternity".
Donald Trump begins addressing Knesset
12:11 , Matt WattsDonald Trump has begun addressing the Knesset.
You can watch his address at the top of this page.
Chants of 'Trump' as US President shakes hands with Netanyahu
11:58 , Michael HowieMr Netanyahu has finished his address, in which he hailed the “covenant” between Israel and the US.
The Israeli PM received a warm handshake from the US President as he stepped away from the lecturn.
Scenes of joy as Palestinian detainees are freed in exchange deal
11:50 , Michael HowieIsrael has released over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners under the ceasefire deal with Hamas.
Just as Israeli families are celebrating being reunited with their loved ones, we’re seeing similarly emotional scenes in the West Bank and Gaza.
Emotional scenes as Israeli hostages are reunited with loved ones
11:45 , Michael HowieMore pictures have been dropping of Israeli hostages reunited with loved ones.
Benjamin Netanyahu: 'I am committed to this peace'
11:39 , Michael HowieIsrael’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is addressing the Knesset. In his speech, punctuated by regular rounds of applause, he said he is “committed to this peace”.
Hamas security forces kill 32 members of Gaza 'gang', official says
11:22 , Michael HowieHamas forces have killed 32 members of “a gang” in Gaza City in a security campaign launched after the ceasefire came into effect on Friday, while six of its personnel were also killed in the violence, a Palestinian security source said on Monday.
The official said the security operation in Gaza City had targeted members of a "dangerous gang affiliated with a family in Gaza City". The operation had led to the arrest of 24 people and 30 others being wounded, the official said.
Since the ceasefire in the two-year-long war with Israel, the Hamas-run Interior Ministry in Gaza has deployed security forces in what it has described as an effort to prevent a security vacuum that would be filled by lawlessness and looting.
While US President Donald Trump has demanded Hamas disarm under a plan to end the Gaza war, he indicated that it had a green light for internal security operations, saying they wanted "to stop the problems" and "we gave them approval for a period of time".
Donald Trump arrives at Knesset to standing ovasion
11:06 , Michael HowieUS President Donald Trump has arrived at the Knesset to a standing ovation.
His daughter, Ivanka Trump, is among those in the jubilant crowd of onlookers.
Her husband, Jared Kushner, played a key role in securing the ceasefire deal.
Palestinian detainees arrive in Gaza on buses
10:55 , Michael HowiePalestinian officials have announced that the first of 38 buses carrying detainees released from Israeli prisons under the ceasefire deal has crossed into Gaza
Freed hostage Gail Berman's warm embrace
10:50 , Michael HowieOne of the hostages, Gali Berman, is pictured in a warm embrace with his twin brother Ziv after being released by Hamas, ending 738 days of captivity.
All 20 living hostages returned to Israel
10:43 , Michael HowieThe Israeli military says all 20 living hostages have arrived back in Israel after being handed over by Hamas.
The IDF has released the names of a second group of hostages who have now crossed the border from Gaza.
They are:
Matan Zangauker
Maxim Herkin
Segev Kalfon
Yosef-Chaim Ohana
Nimrod Cohen
Avinatan Or
Evyatar David
Eitan Horn
David Cunio
Ariel Cunio
Elkana Bohbot
Bar Kupershtein
Rom Braslavski
In an update on X, the IDF says: “They are currently on their way to the initial reception point in southern Israel, where they will reunite their families.”
Recap: What has happened today
10:19 , Matt WattsIf you are just joining us a lot has already happened on a historic day in the Middle East.
Here is a recap of what has already happened:
Israeli hostages
•All 20 hostages who are still believed to be alive have been released by Hamas
•Seven were released earlier in the morning and have already been reunited with their families. 13 released later are still on their way to Israel
•The bodies of those who died are still to be handed over to Israel
Palestinian prisoners
•More than 1,700 detainees from Gaza and 250 Palestinian prisoners are also set to be released as part of the first phase of the ceasefire deal.
•Hospitals in Gaza are preparing for their return
Donald Trump
•US President Donald Trump has arrived in Israel, and is about to deliver a speech in the Israeli parliament, the Knesset
•He is also expected to meet with families of hostages
Trump eyes visit to hospital treating freed hostages
10:13 , Matt WattsAn Israeli source has told The Times of Israel that there are attempts by Donald Trump's team to arrange a visit to one of the hospitals that will receive the hostages before he heads to Egypt for the peace summit.
The source said that, should it happen, the most likely destination will be the Sheba Medical Centre which will treat 10 of the 20 living hostages freed by Hamas.
IDF receives second group of Israeli hostages
10:05 , Matt WattsThe Israeli military has confirmed that the final 13 living hostages have now been received by them in Gaza.
They are now being taken back to Israel by the Israel Defense Forces. The seven released in the first handover this morning have already arrived back in Israel.
Footage and pictures has been shared of them reuniting with their families.
The bodies of up to 28 deceased Israeli hostages have yet to be handed over by Hamas.
Freed hostage Eitan Mor reunited with his parents
09:48 , Matt WattsA photo has been released showing freed hostage Eitan Mor reuniting with his parents.
The photo has been shared from the IDF's Re'im base where the first freed hostages were taken to meet their families.
He was abducted from the Nova music festival, where he was part of the security team.
His mother Efrat spoke to reporters before they were reunited in person, and described seeing him for the first time since his release on screen.
“He looks thin and pale, but he is smiling,” she told Israeli Channel 12.
“It’s difficult to describe it, to see him standing, speaking, smiling,” she said.
“It’s simply a miracle. He looks great. He’s thin and pale, but besides that, a ten. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, like a second birthday.”
Freed hostage Eitan Mor joyfully reunites with his parents at the IDF's Re'im base. pic.twitter.com/rXffg5G7he
— Alexkennedy (@Alexkennedy310) October 13, 2025
Moment freed hostage Bar Kupershtein reunited with his family
09:38 , Matt WattsFreed hostage Bar Kupershtein has reunited with his family at the Re’im base, close to the Gaza border in emotional scenes.
Footage shared online shows him hugging his family as they were reunited.
Freed hostage Bar Kupershtein reunites with his family at the Re’im base, close to the Gaza border. pic.twitter.com/Fa61GyssB6
— Alexkennedy (@Alexkennedy310) October 13, 2025
All 20 hostages who are still alive have been released by Hamas
09:21 , Matt WattsThe last surviving captives taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 massacre in 2023 are finally on their way to the arms of their elated families after 737 days.
The first seven hostages arrived safely at the Re’im Military base in Israel to be greeted by their families - before the remaining 13 reached the Red Cross at another location in Gaza. They will now be returning to Israel.
First images of hostages released from captivity
09:12 , Matt WattsThe first images of freed Israeli hostages have been released.
Alon Ohel and Gali Berman pic.twitter.com/pWvHiQ4pB3
— Cheryl E 🇮🇱🎗️ (@CherylWroteIt) October 13, 2025
Alon Ohel.
— Faerie 🧡 (@LiquidFaerie) October 13, 2025
Welcome home 💛
Heal well. pic.twitter.com/RJaPbFEcur
Israel names first seven hostages that have been released
08:59 , Matt WattsThe Israeli military has released the names of the first seven hostages who were freed today by Hamas.
In a tweet by the IDF they are named as Matan Angrest, Gali and Ziv Berman, Alon Ohel, Eitan Mor, Omri Miran and Guy Gilboa Dalal.
After 738 days in captivity in Gaza, Matan, Gali, Ziv, Alon, Eitan, Omri and Guy are coming home. 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/gklAwKhG1u
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 13, 2025
Release of Israeli hostages a 'historic and welcome day', says foreign minister
08:34 , Matt WattsThe release of Israeli hostages as part of the first steps towards a peace deal is a “historic and welcome day”, a Foreign Office minister has said.
Hamish Falconer told BBC Breakfast: “This is a historic day… these are scenes that so many people right across the country, myself included, have been waiting to see.
“It is hugely welcome news that the ceasefire is in place, that hostages are coming out. I understand there should be a further release in the coming minutes.
“I hope that that will include those hostages with UK links but clearly this is an agony that has gone on and on, both for the Palestinians and, of course, the hostage families, and today is a historic and welcome day.”
Mr Falconer was also asked about US blowback to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson’s suggestion the UK played a “key role” in peace negotiations.
He replied: “I don’t think there’s much mileage on a day like today in arguing about the tweets yesterday, it is clear we have played our role, but all praise goes to the key mediators, and that includes the US, Qatar, Turkey and Egypt.”
Hamas claims Israel has 'failed'
08:28 , Matt WattsThe Al-Qassam Brigades military wing of Hamas has released a statement attempting to talk up the success of the war.
It released the statement to mark the release of the first hostages.
“The agreement reached is the fruit of the steadfastness of our people and the resilience of their resistance fighters,” the statement said.
“We declare our commitment to the agreement reached and its associated timetables, as long as the occupation adheres to them,” it added.
“The resistance has always been keen to stop the war of extermination and has sought to do so since the first months.”
The statemnt goes on to say Israel “has failed to recover its prisoners through military pressure, despite its superior intelligence and the surplus power it possesses”.
“Now it has surrendered and recovered its prisoners through an exchange deal, as the resistance promised from the beginning,” the statement added.
Red Cross on its way to collect second group of hostages, say Israeli military
08:17 , Matt WattsThe Israeli military says the Red Cross is on its way to a meeting point in southern Gaza where "several hostages will be handed over"
It will be the second group of hostages released by Hamas today, after the release of seven earlier.
Under the ceasefire agreement, Hamas has until 10am UK time to hand over 13 more living hostages.
UK played 'vital' role in peace process, says Steve Witkoff
08:08 , Matt WattsDonald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said the UK had played a “vital” role in the peace process and praised National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell.
He wrote on social media: “I would like to acknowledge the vital role of the United Kingdom in assisting and coordinating efforts that have led us to this historic day in Israel.
“In particular, I want to recognize the incredible input and tireless efforts of National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell.”
It comes after the US ambassador to Israel called cabinet minister Bridget Phillipson "delusional" on Sunday after she told Sky News the UK played a key role in the Gaza peace deal.
Donald Trump has been greeted by Benjamin Netanyahu
08:00 , Matt WattsDonald Trump has been greeted by Benjamin Netanyahu on the tarmac at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.
Trump shook hands with Mr Netanyahu and Israel's president Isaac Herzog, with his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner watching on.
Trump lands in Israel
07:52 , Matt WattsDonald Trump has arrived in Tel Aviv.
Air Force One landed at Ben Gurion Airport a few minutes ago.
The US President will be spending a few hours in Israel, where he will meet families of hostages and speak at the Knesset, Israel's parliament.
He will then travel on to Egypt for a peace summit with world leaders and an official signing ceremony of the first phase of his Gaza peace deal.
Emotional scenes as families wait to be reunited with hostages
07:34 , Matt WattsPictures have captured emotional friends and family of hostage Alon Ohel as they await to be reunited with him today.
Alon Ohel, 24, from Lavon near Karmiel, was abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7 and has been held in captivity.
He is on the list of 20 hostages being released by Hamas today.
What is happening to the first hostages released by Hamas?
07:21 , Matt WattsThe Israeli military has taken custody of seven living hostages freed by Hamas from captivity in Gaza
The IDF said it had the hostages after they were handed over by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The seven hostages will cross into Israel and be transferred to a military base to be reunited with their families. They'll then be taken by helicopter to Israeli hospitals.
The military added that it is "prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on".
Hamas earlier said it would release 20 living hostages held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The exchange comes as part of the ceasefire reached in the two-year Israel-Hamas war.
(IDF) - it says the seven returning hostages are "currently being accompanied by IDF and ISA [Israel Security Agency] forces on their return to Israel".
Recap: Trump's 20 point Gaza plan
07:18 , Matt WattsDonald Trump and fellow negotiators, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, will sign off on the President’s peace plan in Sharm El Sheikh, joined by leaders from more than 20 countries.
Israel and Hamas have already signed off on the first phase of the peace plan, in a major step towards a permanent end to two years of war.
It is seeing the final Israeli hostages that have been held by Hamas since October 7, 2023 being released today.
Here is a recap of the peacwe plan as provided by the White House:
1. Gaza will be a deradicalised terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbours.
2. Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.
3. If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal.
4. Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned.
5. Once all hostages are released, Israel will release 250 life sentence prisoners plus 1,700 Gazans who were detained after 7 October 2023, including all women and children detained in that context. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.
6. Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.
7. Upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip. At a minimum, aid quantities will be consistent with what was included in the 19 January 2025 agreement regarding humanitarian aid, including rehabilitation of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and entry of necessary equipment to remove rubble and open roads.
8. Entry of distribution and aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party. Opening the Rafah crossing in both directions will be subject to the same mechanism implemented under 19 January 2025 agreement.
9. Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza. This committee will be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts, with oversight and supervision by a new international transitional body, the "Board of Peace," which will be headed and chaired by President Donald J. Trump, with other members and heads of state to be announced, including Former Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body will set the framework and handle the funding for the redevelopment of Gaza until such time as the Palestinian Authority has completed its reform programme, as outlined in various proposals, including President Trump's peace plan in 2020 and the Saudi-French proposal, and can securely and effectively take back control of Gaza. This body will call on best international standards to create modern and efficient governance that serves the people of Gaza and is conducive to attracting investment.
10. A Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energise Gaza will be created by convening a panel of experts who have helped birth some of the thriving modern miracle cities in the Middle East. Many thoughtful investment proposals and exciting development ideas have been crafted by well-meaning international groups, and will be considered to synthesize the security and governance frameworks to attract and facilitate these investments that will create jobs, opportunity, and hope for future Gaza.
11. A special economic zone will be established with preferred tariff and access rates to be negotiated with participating countries.
12. No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.
13. Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly, or in any form. All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt. There will be a process of demilitarisation of Gaza under the supervision of independent monitors, which will include placing weapons permanently beyond use through an agreed process of decommissioning, and supported by an internationally funded buy back and reintegration programme all verified by the independent monitors. New Gaza will be fully committed to building a prosperous economy and to peaceful coexistence with their neighbours.
14. A guarantee will be provided by regional partners to ensure that Hamas, and the factions, comply with their obligations and that New Gaza poses no threat to its neighbours or its people.
15. The United States will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to immediately deploy in Gaza. The ISF will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt who have extensive experience in this field. This force will be the long-term internal security solution. The ISF will work with Israel and Egypt to help secure border areas, along with newly trained Palestinian police forces. It is critical to prevent munitions from entering Gaza and to facilitate the rapid and secure flow of goods to rebuild and revitalize Gaza. A deconfliction mechanism will be agreed upon by the parties.
16. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. As the ISF establishes control and stability, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw based on standards, milestones, and timeframes linked to demilitarization that will be agreed upon between the IDF, ISF, the guarantors, and the United States, with the objective of a secure Gaza that no longer poses a threat to Israel, Egypt, or its citizens. Practically, the IDF will progressively hand over the Gaza territory it occupies to the ISF according to an agreement they will make with the transitional authority until they are withdrawn completely from Gaza, save for a security perimeter presence that will remain until Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat.
17. In the event Hamas delays or rejects this proposal, the above, including the scaled-up aid operation, will proceed in the terror-free areas handed over from the IDF to the ISF.
18. An interfaith dialogue process will be established based on the values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence to try and change mindsets and narratives of Palestinians and Israelis by emphasizing the benefits that can be derived from peace.
19. While Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform programme is faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognise as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.
20. The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence.
Trump and other world leaders to attend summit in in Sharm El Sheikh
07:10 , Matt WattsAn international peace summit on the future of Gaza is being held in Egypt today.
US president Donald Trump and fellow negotiators, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, will sign off the peace plan in Sharm El Sheikh, joined by leaders from more than 20 countries.
The summit, co-hosted by the US leader and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, comes as part of efforts to secure the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that has been holding since Friday.
Trump, who will first travel to Israel to meet with hostage families and address parliament there, said he was "very excited about this moment in time" before Air Force One took off.
He said many in both Israel and Arab countries were "cheering" the agreement and that "everybody's amazed and they're thrilled and we're going to have an amazing time".
Speaking to reporters while in the air, Trump deemed the conflict "over", adding: "I think people are tired of it."
He also said he hoped to one day visit Gaza, telling travelling reporters: "I'd like to put my feet on it, at least.”
Hamas confirms release of first seven hostages
06:59 , Matt WattsHamas has confirmed it has handed over the first seven hostages to the Red Cross, an official has told Reuters.
The seven hostages have been transferred to the International Committee of the Red Cross from the armed wing of Hamas in Gaza.
The handover of the 13 remaining surviving hostages, plus 28 other Israeli hostages — 26 dead and two whose fate is unknown - is expected to follow.
Scenes of celebration in Hostages Square
06:48 , Matt WattsLarge crowds are celebrating the release of the hostages in Tel Aviv.
Hundreds of people have gathered and are cheering and waving Israeli flags and holding up posters of the hostages.
In Israel, people waving Israeli flags gathered near Reim, a military camp near Gaza, where hostages will be brought and then taken to hospitals.
List of Israeli hostages set to be released by Hamas
06:35 , Michael HowieIsrael has released a list of the 20 hostages it expects to be freed today.
They are:
Elkana Bohbot
Matan Angrest
Avinatan Or
Yosef-Haim Ohana
Alon Ohel
Evyatar David
Guy Gilboa-Dalal
Rom Braslavski
Gali Berman
Ziv Berman
Eitan Mor
Segev Kalfon
Nimrod Cohen
Maxim Herkin
Eitan Horn
Matan Zangauker
Bar Kupershtein
David Cunio
Ariel Cunio
Omri Miran
Israel says first seven hostages handed to Red Cross
06:31 , Michael HowieThe remaining 20 living hostages are due to be released by Hamas by midday today (10am BST).
Under meticulously choreographed plans, they are being handed to the Red Cross at agreed locations in Gaza before being passed to the Israeli military and taken for medical care in Israel - and to be reunited with loved ones.
Israel has just announced that the first seven hostages have been handed to the Red Cross.
Good morning
06:27 , Michael HowieWelcome to the Standard’s live coverage of today’s fast-moving developments in the Middle East.
It’s a momentous day for Israel as Hamas is due to release all the hostages still held in Gaza after just over two years of captivity.
In return, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be released by Israel under a US-led peace plan.
US President Donald Trump has been flying overnight to Israel where he is expected to receive a hero’s welcome during an address to the parliament, or Knesset.
