In a major development that could signal a turning point in one of the region’s most devastating conflicts, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that all hostages held in Gaza—including the bodies of those who tragically lost their lives—are expected to be returned on Monday. This breakthrough comes after a newly brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
In a late-night phone interview on Fox News, Trump shared cautious optimism:
“So much is happening to get the hostages freed, and we think they’ll all be coming back on Monday. That’ll include the bodies of the dead.”
His statement came just hours after he unveiled a bold 20-point peace plan aimed at ending over two years of violence that have decimated Gaza and triggered a large-scale humanitarian crisis.
Under the agreement, Hamas will release all hostages, while Israel is set to pull its troops back to a mutually accepted boundary. The plan was finalized after talks in Egypt, and Trump emphasized that this accord could trigger wider regional cooperation—even involving Iran, a historical adversary of both Israel and the U.S.
“This is more than Gaza. This is peace in the Middle East,” Trump remarked, noting his belief that “Iran is going to be actually a part of the whole peace situation.”
He described the deal as a global effort, saying it was “great for Israel, great for Muslims, for the Arab countries, and so great for this country”—referring to the U.S.
Looking ahead, Trump envisioned a future for Gaza beyond conflict and ruin. He reiterated his long-standing belief that the coastal enclave could become a beacon of prosperity if peace prevails.
“Gaza is going to be a place that reconstructs,” he said. “Other countries in the area will help it rebuild because they have tremendous amounts of wealth, and they want to see that happen. And we’ll be involved in helping them make it successful and peaceful.”
