After arriving in Israel, U.S. President Donald Trump marked a pivotal moment in the region’s history.
During Trump’s Knesset address, Knesset members Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif, from the Arab-Jewish Hadash-Ta’al party, were removed from the chamber after disrupting the president’s speech with signs calling for the recognition of “Palestine.”
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However, Trump began by giving glory to “the Almighty God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,” thanking members of his delegation for their crucial role in securing the return of 20 Israeli hostages earlier in the day. He extended particular gratitude to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, joking that dealing with him “isn’t easy.”
Hostage Families Receive Heartbreaking News
While 20 hostages were safely returned, the Hostage Families Forum were stunned upon learning that only four of 28 deceased hostages will be released by Hamas today. “This is a blatant violation of the agreement by Hamas,” the forum stated. “We expect the Government of Israel and the mediating parties to act immediately to correct this terrible injustice.”
Israel Releases Nearly 2,000 Prisoners in Historic Exchange
In a dramatic move to secure the hostages’ freedom, Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 convicted terrorists serving life sentences and 1,718 others detained over the past two years of conflict, according to an IDF spokesman. Palestinian media report that 88 of the prisoners will go to Judea, Samaria or East Jerusalem, while the rest will be sent to Gaza or abroad.
Netanyahu Declines Egypt Summit Over Jewish Holiday
President Trump invited Netanyahu to participate in the Egypt summit marking the ceasefire signing. However, Netanyahu respectfully declined due to the close timing of the Shemini Atzeret-Simchat Torah holiday, citing Jewish law prohibitions and coalition considerations. Despite his absence, the prime minister expressed appreciation for Trump’s efforts to “expand the circle of peace, peace through strength.”
International Recognition and Prayerful Celebrations
Tens of thousands of Israelis took to city squares in celebration and prayer, including at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv and near Gaza’s Nova Party site, marking the moment with song and worship. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee described the release as “a moment like the moon landing,” emphasizing the historic and divine significance of the day.
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Ultimately, this day will be remembered as a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the power of determined leadership guided by prayer. As Nehemiah 8:17 declares, “And all the assembly of those who had returned from captivity made booths and dwelt in the booths… and there was very great joy.” Indeed, joy and thanksgiving filled the hearts of Israel, America and believers around the world.
Prepared by Charisma Media Staff.
