On Wednesday, President Trump expressed optimism that Hamas will let go of all remaining Israeli captives by Monday, coinciding with families’ joy over the recent peace breakthrough between Israel and the Palestinian militant group.
“The significant news is that hostages are likely to be released, with Monday as the expected date,” Trump shared during an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, shortly after announcing that Hamas and Israel have accepted his initial phase of a 20-step peace plan for the Middle East.
Commenting on the plight of the 48 hostages thought to be held in Gaza, Trump noted, “They are in a dire situation—many of them are believed to be deceased.”
“They are buried deep underground, and efforts are underway to secure their release while various developments occur as we speak,” the President added.
“There is a lot happening to ensure the hostages are freed, and we believe they will all return home by Monday,” he asserted.
A high-ranking White House official revealed that the agreement, which should also lead to a cessation of hostilities in Gaza, is set to go to the Israeli cabinet for approval on Thursday, following which Israeli forces will need to withdraw from specific areas of the Strip.
“The deal will be presented to the Israeli cabinet tomorrow. Upon a positive vote, Israel is required to pull back to designated lines, which should take less than a day,” the official elaborated.
“Subsequently, a 72-hour countdown will start, and Hamas may expedite their release efforts if possible. We anticipate that the hostage release will commence on Monday,” the official added.
Following his peace deal announcement, Trump reached out to family members of the hostages, who were with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and reassured them that “they’re all coming home on Monday.”
“Mr. President, we have faith in you. We appreciate all you have done for us since assuming office, even prior to that,” expressed Moshe Emilio Lavi, whose brother-in-law Omri Miran was kidnapped during the incursion on October 7.
“We trust you to see through your commitment until every last one of the 48 is back with their families. Thank you immensely. Blessed are the peacemakers,” he added.
Another family member expressed gratitude, stating, “God bless you, Mr. President. God Bless America,” in a video circulated by the White House.
Trump also published a video on his Truth Social showing families of hostages rejoicing over the announcement.
“Today, President Trump made it happen. He has just revealed that our loved ones, the hostages, will return,” a family member stated in the video.
“We will not give up until we ensure that all 48 are reunited with their families, including those who have lost their lives in captivity, resting in the Land of Israel, and those still alive, crossing the border back to their families.”
The family members stood in front of a large banner portraying the faces of remaining hostages, emphasizing that their loved ones have endured “two years of captivity.”
“Thank you, President Trump, for your bravery,” a man in front of the banner remarked. “We are grateful to the Trump administration for their efforts to bring them home.”
Trump characterized the situation as a “great honor” to partake in what he considers “perhaps the most significant deal ever.”
During his chat with Hannity, Trump revealed that he had a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the deal’s announcement.
“He expressed disbelief, saying, ‘I can’t believe it.’ He remarked, ‘Everyone’s supporting me now,’ referring to himself,” Trump recounted from the talk. “I told him, ‘Israel cannot take on the world, Bibi; they cannot do it,’ and he grasps that concept very well,” Trump added.
Trump asserted that recent U.S. airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and his comprehensive tariff policies played critical roles in achieving the peace accord.
“Iran was no more than a month or two away from developing a nuclear weapon… Had I permitted that, this agreement would have been unfeasible,” Trump elaborated.
“Or if it had materialized, it would have been overshadowed by significant concerns,” he continued, alleging that Iran has “endorsed this deal.”
Looking ahead to the Gaza Strip’s future, Trump forecasted that it will evolve into a “much safer area” and indicated that the U.S. would play a role in maintaining the peace.
“It will become a region that reconstructs, supported by neighboring countries with significant resources, who desire to see it thrive,” the President stated. “We will be actively involved in ensuring its success and fostering peace there.”
