MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump was in Israel Monday, speaking to lawmakers, as the 20 remaining surviving hostages were released from Gaza as part of an agreement intended to end the war that began on Oct. 7, 2023.
“After 738 days, we’re all overjoyed to see this reunion between the families and the surviving hostages, and our hearts are with the families of the deceased hostages who are still awaiting their return,” Brian Siegel, the director for the American Jewish Committee for Miami-Dade and Broward counties, said. “I think there’s also a sense that we’re at a pivotal and historic moment for the Middle East and one that could move us toward a brighter future for Israelis and Palestinians, and frankly, for the entire Middle East. It’s a moment.”
Helicopters arrived to Israeli hospitals Monday morning with hostages who are in need of medical attention.
The ceasefire deal announcement came as welcomed news to both Israelis and Palestinians.
“We just felt that thank God, the 1 and 2-ton missiles will stop dropping on us,” Palestinian Anas Amireh said.
Phase one of the peace plan agreed to by Hamas and Israel allowed for the 20 living hostages to be released and the remains of 28 others to be returned to Israel.
In return, Israel agreed on releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees.
“I think that there’s a sense that this 20-point plan that President Trump has laid out -- still a lot of work to be done and the international community has to enforce it, especially when it comes to Hamas and disarmament, but locally, I think the Jewish community here, which is very strong (and) proud of its connection to Israel and has been really watching and waiting for this moment for a long time, there’s just gonna be that extra sense of joy,” Siegel said.
“We’re not hopeful of the peace treaty itself, we are hopeful of the ceasefire,” Amireh said.
The deal was met with joyous celebrations in Israel. On Monday morning, hundreds held flags in Israel, clapping, crying, and praying for the hostages’ safe return.
Meanwhile, displaced Palestinians are returning to Gaza.
The plan brokered by Trump also carves out aid to Gaza, including medical supplies and food.
Efforts to rebuild will also be in the works.
“We can’t, of course, just ignore the fact that the famine and the destruction occurred because of U.S. military force and U.S. military weaponry,” Amireh said.
But the goal of lasting peace in the Middle East is a 20-step plan that’s met with skepticism.
“If the Palestinian people do not have peace and freedom and equal rights, just like their neighbors, there will never ever be long, lasting peace,” Amireh said.
“This is a moment in time where anyone who celebrates peace should be cheering because this is a time where we can reset,” Siegel said. “We can implement the 20-point peace plan (and) find better lives for Israelis and Palestinians, and for the entire region.”
Some local leaders also commented on the peace plan and release of hostages, including Miami-Dade Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis, who said in a statement, “Here in Miami-Dade County, this moment holds deep meaning for our community, where so many of our friends and neighbors share a close bond with the people of Israel.”
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