'The greatest deal of them all': Trump, world leaders begin next phases of Israel-Hamas peace deal
The next phases of a peace plan between Israel and Hamas are underway following the release of all remaining living Israeli hostages and over a thousand Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
President Donald Trump wrapped up a whirlwind trip to Israel and Egypt on Monday, where he met with several hostage families before
"This week, against all odds, we have done the impossible and brought our hostages home," Trump said.
So far, only four of the 28 deceased hostages have been returned. The Israeli military said the bodies will be sent for identification at a forensic institute. It's unclear when the remaining 24 bodies will be released, but Trump said the search for them is happening.
"This will be maybe the greatest deal of them all. Period," Trump said.
In Egypt, marking the end of two years of war between Israel and Hamas.
"This took 3,000 years to get to this point. Can you believe it? And it's going to hold up too," Trump said.
Next Steps
The U.S.-brokered, 20-point plan now shifts focus to recovering the missing and rebuilding Gaza, including restoring power, water, and hospitals.
"They're gonna start cleaning up. If you look at Gaza, it's — it needs a lot of cleanup," Trump said.
Roughly 200 U.S. troops will help support and monitor the ceasefire deal as part of a team that includes other nations, non-profits, and private-sector players. In addition, a U.S.-backed international force will keep security and train Palestinian police. A temporary Palestinian governing council will oversee day-to-day life under an international board led by President Trump and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair. Longer term, Hamas's weapons will be collected, and the Palestinian Authority could eventually take over should the ceasefire hold.
"It's the start of a grand concord and lasting harmony for Israel and all the nations of what will soon be a truly magnificent region. I believe that so strongly," President Trump said.
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