All living hostages released; Heartbreaking footage; Palestinians also being freed; Trump hailed as a giant

Live from Gaza: Hostage release

Confirmed: Netanyahu will not go to Egypt

After media reports suggested that Israel’s Prime Minister would travel today to the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh for a peace summit with world leaders, Netanyahu’s office announced that he will not travel due to the Simchat Torah holiday, which begins tonight.

Israeli leaders historically avoid travel during the Jewish Sabbath and other holidays, except in exceptional circumstances, reports The Times of Israel.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for the invitation and for his efforts to expand the circle of peace through strength,” the statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office read.

The statement did not mention Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who called the Israeli Prime Minister today.

More footage arriving: Hostages reunited with their families

Israeli Ambassador: We all fought together to bring back Alon Ohel and the other hostages

Israeli Ambassador to Serbia Avivit Bar-Ilan stated that today is a great day for the people of Israel, as 20 living hostages held by Hamas have been released, including Serbian citizen Alon Ohel.

“Today is a great day for the people of Israel, for the State of Israel. Twenty living hostages, who survived two years in captivity and suffered greatly during that time, have been freed. I am very happy and excited, as is the people of Israel, who are celebrating today in the streets over the return of 20 hostages, including Alon Ohel, an Israeli citizen who also holds Serbian citizenship,” Bar-Ilan told Tanjug.

She emphasized that everyone—both the Serbian and Israeli people—was waiting for Alon Ohel’s return and fought together for it.

The Israeli Ambassador noted that Israel is very grateful to U.S. President Donald Trump for enabling the ceasefire agreement.

“We are thankful to him for making it possible to implement this agreement and end the war, with the help of many friends in the region who played a key role,” Bar-Ilan said, adding that a peace summit for Gaza will soon begin in Egypt.

Hostage release