Hamas releases all living hostages as Trump arrives in Middle East to celebrate deal he brokered

After two years of war prompted by its Oct. 7 massacre, Hamas freed all remaining living hostages on Monday as President Donald Trump arrived in Israel to celebrate the peace deal he brokered that could reshape the Middle East.

Israel confirmed the safe return of 20 hostages and reciprocated by freeing about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in an exchange that was a key benchmark of the deal brokered by Trump and his team last week.

Trump arrived in Israel and was greeted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and headed  immediately to the Knesset to address Israel's political leadership.

“Mr. President, I would like to thank you that you granted the Knesset the honor that it is the first parliament you are visiting in your present term,” Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said as he greeted the American president.

Trump was slated to tell lawmakers that Israel's military achieved what it needed to, but must now transition to finding a permanent solution to the strife in Gaza.

“Israel has won all that can be won by force of arms” and “it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity," he was quoted as saying in excerpts.