‘Thank you Jesus. Thank you 47’: All living hostages freed by Hamas terrorists under Trump’s peace deal
President: ‘A great and beautiful day. A new beginning’
All of the remaining living hostages taken by Hamas terrorists in that horrifying act of war on Oct. 7, 2023, now have been released.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed online their release under President Donald Trump’s brokered peace deal for the Middle East shortly before Trump arrived in Tel Aviv.
All 20 hostages were released after being held by Hamas for more than two years. The final 13 remaining hostages released were Elkana Bohbot, Rom Braslavski, Nimrod Cohen, Ariel Cunio, David Cunio, Evyatar David, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn, Segev Kalfon, Bar Kupershtein, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, Avinatan Or, and Matan Zangauker, according to a report from the Washington Examiner.
Seven were released in an initial transfer early Monday.
The IDF said the hostages were turned over to the Red Cross before being transferred to the IDF, to be brought to the Re’im base in southern Israel, the report said.
The events were livestreamed to watchers who gathered at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, which has been the site of protests since Hamas terrorists launched the war, killing some 1,200 civilians often in horrific slaughters in addition to taking hundreds hostage.
“I share in the joy of the families and the joy of the people of Israel, following the recent transfer of seven of the hostages into the hands of the Red Cross. We only recently met with their parents,” French President Emmanuel Macron said when the hostage releases started. “Their release, alongside the expected release this morning of 13 additional hostages, brings with it renewed hope for peace — for Israel, for Gaza, and for the entire region. France will take part in all stages of the plan led by the president of the United States, Donald Trump, alongside the Arab partners that France has rallied for this endeavor. But for now — let the joy fill the heart.”
Israel also conducted a series of releases of Palestinians who had been taken into custody also.
A billboard expressing gratitude to the president for his work toward the peace agreement and hostage releases greeted Trump on his arrival.
Trump said, “We’re so happy for them. They’re going to be happy, and they’re going to have a great life. They’ve been very brave.”
A report from Fox said Trump hailed the events as a “new beginning.”
He was to address Israel’s lawmaking body, Knesset.
“This is my great honor — a great and beautiful day. A new beginning,” the president said, in a guest book.
