Hamas released all 20 living Israeli hostages Monday, and Israel released more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. U.S. President Donald Trump visited the region to discuss postwar plans.

More than two years after they were abducted during the terrorist attack that launched the Israel-Hamas war, all remaining living hostages have been returned to Israel from the Gaza Strip.

In August of 2024, Eitan's family published footage of their loved one's body being abused in the streets of Gaza on October 7. Bat Yam native and taxi driver Eitan Levi was caught in the crossfire of Hamas's October 7 invasion when he drove a family friend to Kibbutz Be'eri on that fateful morning.

While major questions remain about the future of the region, the exchange of hostages and prisoners marked a key step toward ending the deadliest war ever between Israel and Hamas.

Israel and Hamas took steps toward ending the two-year war that has devastated the Gaza Strip, but hard work lies ahead.

President Donald Trump dismissed concerns over reports that Hamas is not willing to disarm itself following the hostage exchange. Speaking to reporters at the White House in a Tuesday afternoon press conference,

Twenty Israeli hostages were released in Gaza Oct. 13 as part of the initial phase of a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Historian and former speechwriter for former President Biden, Jon Meacham, praised President Donald Trump on Monday for securing a peace deal between Israel and Hamas.