Gaza peace summit HIGHLIGHTS: 'I think Pakistan and India are going to live very nicely together', says Trump

US President Donald Trump leaves Egypt after co-chairing a summit on Gaza. He had arrived earlier in Sharm el-Sheikh aboard Air Force One, where more than two dozen heads of state, government, and international organizations awaited him, following a lightning visit to Israel.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi says that his country will host a conference on the reconstruction of Gaza following a deal for a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange. 

President Donald Trump called for a new era of harmony in the Middle East on Monday during a global summit on Gaza's future, trying to advance broader peace in the region after visiting Israel to celebrate a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hamas.

Trump said,  “I hope everyone joins the Abraham Accords, we don't have Gaza as an excuse anymore. We will probably enlarge the board of peace."

The US president also said, “The future will not be ruled by fights of the past. There won't be World War 3 in the Middle East. We're all agreed that Gaza's reconstruction needs to be one that is demilitarised.”

While addressing the after signing the peace agreement, Trump said, “Tthis is the day people around the world have been praying for. At long last we have peace in the Middle East. The hostages have been returned and further work goes on. Humanitarian aid is now pouring into Gaza. The rebuilding begins, I think this will be the easiest part.”

Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt said, “Lets make this historic moment a new start. The end of the Gaza war should be the end of all wars in the region. We have full trust in Trump's leadership to see this plan through. The two state solution is the only way to end this conflict.”

US President Donald Trump signed the Gaza peace deal during summit in Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday (October 13)

The Israeli prison service said it had freed nearly 2,000 mostly Palestinian detainees as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal. It said in a statement that "1,968 terrorists were transferred from several prisons across the country to the Ofer and Ktziot prisons". "After the conclusion of the necessary activities in the prisons and the approval of political authorities, all the terrorists were released from the Ofer prison to (the West Bank) and East Jerusalem, and from the Ktziot prison to Kerem Shalom," it added, referring to one of the crossings into the Gaza Strip.

US President Donald Trump posed with the participating leaders of the Gaza peace summit

US President Donald Trump said that the phase two of Gaza talks have started

Turkey opposed the presence of Benjamin Netanyahu at Monday's Gaza summit in Egypt, prompting a last-minute cancellation by the Israeli leader, a Turkish diplomatic source claimed. "At the initiative of President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan and through Turkey's diplomatic efforts -- with the support of other leaders -- Netanyahu did not attend the meeting in Egypt," the source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the press.

Hamas’s armed wing said in a statement that it will hand over the bodies of four Israeli hostages on Monday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday (October 13) hailed the ‘extraordinary’ Gaza ceasefire as bringing hope that US President Donald Trump could broker an end to the Russian invasion of his country. ""When peace is achieved for one part of the world, it brings more hope for peace in other regions," Zelensky said on social media. He added: "If a ceasefire and peace have been achieved for the Middle East, the leadership and determination of global actors can certainly work for us too, in Ukraine."

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said on Monday (October 13), playing a role in regional and international developments certainly does not depend solely on physical participation or absence from a particular event. In a post on X, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi thanked Egyptian President El-Sisi's invitation to attend the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit. But added that ‘while favouring diplomatic engagement’, Iran will not attend Monday's summit in Egypt on ending the Gaza war.

US President Donald Trump will attend Gaza summit in Egypt

The US President Donald Trump has finished his speech at the Knesset

US President Donald Trump asked President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, to pardon Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

The US president said, I hope those who want to join Abraham Accords join quickly. My dream that the Abraham Accords will turn out to be as good as I thought it would. I terminated the Iran nuclear deal and I was very proud to do it. We are going to see if we can make a deal with Iran. US and Israel does not bear any hostility to Iran."

Trump also said that together we've shown that peace is not just a hope but a reality. The Middle-East is now ready to embrace its potential. These are incredible people that made all this possible. Now is the time to build their people up, instead of trying to tear Israel down

Addressing the Israeli Parliament, Trump said that it is time that there should be a peace deal with Iran. He said that Iran aren't starting nuclear programme again and it would be great is if there can be a peace deal with Iran

The US president also said that his administration is helping the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah

Donald Trump also said that Gaza will be immediately demilitarised and Hamas will be disarmed. The entire region has endorsed a plan that Hamas will be disarmed. Israel has won.

Donald Trump while addressing the Israeli Parliament said that he stopped Iran from making nuclear weapons and said that it would be great if we can focus on Russia now

US President Donald Trump while addressing the Israeli Parliament on Monday said that many of Iran's top terrorists have been extinguished and also annoucned that he has just ordered 28 new more B2 bombers

US President Donald Trump while addressing the Israeli Parliament on Monday said that it feels good while saying that the hostages are back. Israel became strong and powerful, which led to peace. He also said that generations from now this will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change, and change very much for the better.

US President Donald Trump while addressing the Israeli Parliament on Monday said that the long and painful nightmare is finally over. My personality is actually all about stopping wars and that it is an incredible triumph for Israel and world

While speaking at the Israeli Knesset, the US president Donald Trump said , "Today the guns are silent, the sirens are still. The land and region will live godwilling in peace for all eternity." He added, "Beginning of hope, historic dawn of the new Middle East.

He also said, "It's the start of the last harmony. 20 courageous hostages are returning and 28 more loved ones are coming home at last."

While addressing the Knesset, President Netanyahu stated that Israel is open to 'peace treaties' with Arab and Muslim countries.

Vehicles transporting the freed Israeli hostages reached the Reim military base for their transfer by helicopter.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labelled US President Donald Trump on Monday as the "greatest friend" Israel has ever had in the White House.

"Donald Trump is the greatest friend that the state of Israel has ever had in the White House. No American president has ever done more for Israel," Netanyahu said in parliament ahead of Trump's address to lawmakers. Netanyahu, in his speech to parliament, also praised Israel's soldiers, saying the country had "achieved amazing victories over Hamas".

Israeli President Netanyahu said, "Our soldiers fought like lions. Israel made amazing victories over Hamas and Iran's terror axis. Nearly 2,000 of Israel's finest were lost in the war, nearly half in battle. Iran's nuclear weapons rolled back, half the Houthi leadership wiped out."

"We welcome you to Jerusalem, in our eternal capital, Mr President. On this day, feel with emotions, your name will be caught in the legacy of our history. We do remember our friends, and we realise the instrumental role in bringing the captives home. I have come to know now that all captives are at home. On behalf of the entire I thank you again, Mr President," Netanyahu said.

He also said, "There are many reasons to thank you since your last visit. Thank you for recognising Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Thank you for brokering the Abraham Accords. ‘Donald Trump is the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House’. Thank you to Trump for withdrawing from the disastrous Iran nuclear deal. Thanks, Trump, for recognising Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and for standing up against the lies against Israel in the UN. ‘Donald Trump is the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House. ’ I am committed to this peace; together with Trump, we will achieve this peace.

US President Donald Trump received a standing ovation from Israeli lawmakers ahead of his address to parliament amid a brief visit to Israel after advocating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The applause lasted for several minutes which lawmakers clapped and cheered for Trump, who was accompanied by his special envoy Steve Witkoff, son-in-law Jared Kushner, and daughter Ivanka.

Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Monday that he will be unable to attend the Gaza summit in Egypt.

Trump recognised and gave a standing ovation in the Knesset to various leaders who participated actively during the negotiations.

US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet the families of hostages and former captives in the Knesset.

Israel confirmed that the last 20 hostages alive released by Hamas had arrived in the country on Monday.

"Welcome home," the foreign ministry wrote in a series of posts on X, hailing the return of Matan Angrest, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Elkana Bohbot, Rom Braslavski, Nimrod Cohen, David Cunio, Ariel Cunio, Evyatar David, Guy Gilboa Dalal, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn, Segev Kalfon, Bar Kuperstein, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, Yosef Haim Ohana, Alon Ohel, Avinatan Or and Matan Zangauker.

First buses out of a total of 38 carrying released Palestinian detainees have crossed into GAZA. 

US President Donald Trump, Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Egyptian President Sisi over the phone.

The Egyptian presidency confirmed that Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu will attend the Gaza summit on Monday, as per the AFP report.

Buses depart from Israel’s Ofer Prison carrying Palestinian detainees set to be released, according to a report in AFP.

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu is considering joining the Gaza summit in Egypt, reported Reuters, citing Israeli officials.

“A great and beautiful day. A new beginning”, wrote trump  ahead of his historic speech marking the release of Israeli hostages.

“After two years of captivity, the hostages are finally returning home - thanks to the tireless work of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and others. I encourage the parties to seize this opportunity and implement President Trump's plan in its entirety. Both Israelis and Palestinians deserve a better future. Security belongs to everyone,” said Alexander Stubb.

Hamas handed over all 20 surviving Israeli hostages to Red Cross representatives in Gaza on Monday, according to Israel’s public broadcaster.

The armed wing of Hamas in a statement on Monday (October 13), affirmed its commitment to the terms and timeline of a ceasefire deal brokered by US President Donald Trump.

“The State of Israel and the defense establishment embrace our first seven hostages returning home, including IDF soldier Matan Engerst. We look forward to seeing everyone with great excitement and love,” wrote Israel's Defence Minister on X.

A Red Cross convoy is on its way to pick up a second group of Israeli hostages to be freed by Hamas as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal, said Israeli military.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcome Trump upon his arrival in Ben Gurion airport.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday welcomed the release of seven hostages by Hamas and said that Israel is awaiting the release of all remaining captives.

US President Donald Trump arrives in Tel Aviv and participates in an arrival ceremony at Ben Gurion

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara arrive at Ben Gurion Airport shortly before US President Donald Trump is due to land in Israel.

After announcing the end of war in Gaza on Oct 9, Trump now watches livestream of hostage releases from Air Force One en route to Israel.
 

Among the Palestinian prisoners to be released, 250 are security detainees. About 1,700 were detained by the Israeli army in Gaza during the war.

Seven Israeli hostages in Gaza are now handed over to ICRC custody, officials tell news agency Reuters.

 Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, in a statement, said that the resistance has always been keen to stop the war of extermination and has sought to do so since the first months, but the enemy thwarted all efforts due to its narrow calculations and to satisfy the instincts of brutality and revenge…

The Chief of the General Staff expressed his appreciation to all IDF bodies for their thorough preparations and emphasised the importance of maintaining a high level of readiness and alertness. The mission is still ongoing, and it is our national and moral duty to operate until all the hostages are home.

The Chief of the General Staff assessed the situation with members of the General Staff Forum at the hostage and missing persons situation room, says the IDF

Israeli Defence Forces say Red Cross is on its way to pick up first Gaza hostages

Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, on Monday (Oct 13) published the names of 20 surviving hostages held in Gaza. The release is part of a deal reached with Israel, which aims to free the captives in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Click here for the names

The Israeli military in a statement announced that the Red Cross was on its way to pick up the first Gaza hostages that will soon be released by Hamas.

US Vice President JD Vance on X expressed his pride about the fact that President Donald Trump's Gaza peace deal was accepted. He said that the Israeli hostages will be free thanks to the US.
In a post on X, he said, "It's an amazing thing...We should be proud of this team, we should be proud of our country, because these hostages are going to live their lives thanks to what the United States of America did"."

Over 200 aid trucks, including diesel fuel and cooking gas, entered Gaza on Sunday. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians returned to Gaza City after the ceasefire, seeking safety and relief in a city devastated by nearly two years of conflict.

Check out pictures here: In Pics: After almost two years of war, aid finally flows into Gaza

Hamas’s armed wing has published a list of 20 surviving hostages held in Gaza who are expected to be freed as part of a deal reached with Israel.

The hostages named by the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades on its Telegram channel are among 48 captives -- both living and deceased -- held by Palestinian militants in Gaza.

US President Donald Trump said that his upcoming visit to the Middle East aims to bring together leaders from across the region in support of ongoing peace efforts.

"We are gonna make everybody happy... Everybody is happy, whether it's Jewish or Muslim or the Arab countries," he said speaking to reporters during a press aboard Air Force One en route to Israel.

Israel President Isaac Herzog said Monday he will present the country's highest civilian award to US President Donald Trump for his role in securing the release of hostages from Gaza and helping to end the war.

"Through his tireless efforts, President Trump has not only helped bring our loved ones home but has also laid the foundations for a new era in the Middle East built on security, cooperation, and genuine hope for a peaceful future," Herzog said in a statement issued by his office.

"It will be a great honour for me to present him with the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour."

US President Donald Trump and Egypt’s Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will co-chair the Gaza peace summit, joined by leaders from more than 20 nations. The summit aims to end the Gaza war, boost regional stability, and implement Trump’s 20-point peace plan. A document formalising the ceasefire is expected to be signed by mediators, including the US, Egypt, Qatar, and possibly Turkey.

Israel, as per reports, expects all 20 living hostages to be handed to the Red Cross early Monday (Oct 13) morning. Palestinian prisoners will only be released once Israel confirms all hostages are safely across the border. Not all remains of deceased hostages are expected to be returned immediately.

The Gaza peace deal involves exchanging Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during its October 7, 2023, attack for Palestinians held in Israeli jails. The initial phase will include the release of 47 Israeli hostages – both living and deceased – in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained since the outbreak of war. Hamas is also expected to hand over the remains of a soldier killed in 2014.

The Gaza ceasefire continues to hold as both sides prepare for a planned hostage-prisoner exchange and a major Middle East peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh. After nearly two years of conflict, the first signs of stability are emerging across the region.

US President Donald Trump has declared that the "war is over in Gaza" as he departed for a high-stakes peace mission to Israel and Egypt, calling the trip a "very special visit." Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump brushed off doubts about the ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas. "The war is over. Okay? You understand that?" he insisted when asked if he was confident the conflict had ended. When pressed on whether the truce would hold, he added, "I think it's going to hold. I think people are tired of it. It's been centuries."

Read more here: Trump declares 'war is over in Gaza' ahead of peace summit in Egypt