Trump Arrives in Israel as Hostage-Prisoner Exchange Commences

October 13, 2025 | 03:51 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Donald Trump arrived in Israel on Monday, October 13, 2025, to celebrate a ceasefire and a hostage deal mediated by the United States between Israel and Hamas. As reported by WSLS, he declared the agreement had effectively ended the war and opened the door to establishing lasting peace in the Middle East.

As he stepped off Air Force One, a convoy of vehicles transporting the first group of hostages released by Hamas as part of the agreement arrived in Israel.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Trump on the tarmac as the military band played. At the Hostages Field in Tel Aviv, the site of continuous demonstrations during the two-year conflict, crowds cheered for Trump.

This moment remains fragile. Israel and Hamas are still in the early stages of implementing the first phase of the plan intended to end the conflict. Over 67,200 Palestinians have died since October 7, 2023, the majority of whom are women and children.

The first phase of the ceasefire agreement calls for the release of the last 48 hostages held by Hamas, the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, an influx of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from major Gaza cities.

With families anticipating joyous reunions and Palestinians longing for the surge of aid, Trump believes there is a narrow opportunity to reshape the region and mend the long-strained relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

"The war is over, OK?" Trump told accompanying journalists on Air Force One.

"I think people are tired of it," he said, emphasizing his belief that the ceasefire will hold.

The Republican president stated the prospects for peace were made possible by his administration's support for Israel's efforts against Iranian-backed groups, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The White House said momentum also built as Arab and Muslim nations showed a renewed focus on resolving the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has persisted for decades, and in some cases, deepening their relationships with the United States.

Cautious Outlook on Gaza's Future

In February, Trump had predicted that Gaza could be developed into what he called the "Middle East Riviera," a statement that drew international attention. However, on Sunday on Air Force One, he was more cautious.

"I don’t know about the Riviera for a while," Trump said. "It’s (Gaza) blasted. This is like a demolition site."

However, he said he hoped to one day visit the area. "I’d like to put my feet on it, at least," he said.

Trump will first visit Israel to meet with the families of the hostages and deliver a speech before the Knesset, the Israeli parliament—an honor last given to President George W. Bush in 2008.

He will then stop in Egypt, where he and President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi will lead a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh with leaders from over 20 countries on peace in Gaza and the wider Middle East. Both Israel and Egypt announced that Trump would receive their highest civilian honors.

Uncertainties and Humanitarian Crisis

The ceasefire is still fragile, and it remains uncertain whether both parties have reached an agreement on governing post-war Gaza, reconstructing the area, and Israel's demand for Hamas to disarm. Negotiations on these crucial issues could easily fail, and Israel, which has previously conducted military operations after ceasefires, has hinted at continuing them if its demands are not met.

Most of Gaza has been reduced to rubble, and around 2 million Palestinian residents in the area continue to struggle in dire conditions. Under the agreement, Israel has agreed to reopen five border crossings, which will help facilitate the flow of food and other supplies into Gaza, a region currently experiencing famine.

About 200 U.S. soldiers will help support and monitor the ceasefire agreement as part of a team that includes partner countries, non-governmental organizations, and private sector players.

Editor's Choice: Breaking News: Hamas Hands Over 7 Israeli Captives in First Phase of Prisoner Exchange Deal

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