Upon arriving at Sharm El-Sheikh Airport in Egypt to attend the Peace Summit on Gaza, Macron stated that he ‘shares the joy of the families and the Israeli people over the release of 7 hostages in Gaza.’ He affirmed that ‘France will have a very specific role alongside the Palestinian Authority in governing Gaza.’ He added that ‘peace has become possible for Israel, Gaza, and the region,’ noting that Paris will participate in all stages of President Trump’s plan alongside Arab partners.
Israel announced this morning, Monday, the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza according to the plan by US President Donald Trump. A joint statement from the Israeli army and the General Security Service (Shin Bet) reported that ‘Israeli army forces and the General Security Service (Shin Bet) in the Gaza Strip received seven Israeli hostages, who are now on their way to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.’
The Israeli army spokesperson urged the public to act responsibly and sensitively, respect the privacy of the returning hostages, and rely only on official information. The statement concluded that the Israeli army is prepared to receive additional hostages expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later.
Earlier, the ‘Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades,’ the military wing of the Palestinian Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, announced on Monday, within the first phase of Trump’s plan to stop the war on the sector. Hamas confirmed in a statement its commitment to the agreement and the role of mediators in obligating Israel to fully implement its commitments. The movement described the release of prisoners, including those with life sentences and high sentences, as ‘a fruit of the steadfastness of the people of Gaza and the heroism of its sons in resistance, embodying the will of liberation against the oppression of the new Nazis,’ as they put it.
The statement pointed out the failure of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his army over two years to liberate his soldiers by force, forcing him to accept the terms of resistance through an exchange deal. The movement emphasized its concern for the safety of the prisoners despite Israel’s attempts to target them, highlighting the ongoing violations faced by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
