Gaza Strip hostages return to Israel and reunite with family members

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JERUSALEM- The President of the United States , Donald Trump , said this Monday, 13, that Israel should take advantage of the end of the war in the Gaza Strip to work towards peace in the Middle East.

Joe Biden and Barack Obama .

In an unexpected twist to his speech, Trump also called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. The Republican described Bibi, the Israeli leader's nickname, as one of"the greatest wartime leaders."

Netanyahu faces corruption charges, although several hearings have been postponed during the conflict with Hamas. Despite his praise for Netanyahu, Trump said the prime minister was not an"easy" person and praised opposition leader Yair Lapid.

Opportunity for peace

During the speech, Trump pressed Israel to look beyond the war, saying the country"has achieved everything it could by force of arms." "You have won. Now it's time to turn these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East."

The Republican also promised to help rebuild the Gaza Strip, which was devastated during the conflict, and called on Palestinians to"turn forever away from the path of terror and violence."

“After immense pain, death, and hardship, now is the time to focus on building up your people, rather than trying to tear down Israel.

Trump even gestured to Iran, a country he ordered bombed during a brief direct conflict between Tehran and Israel in June."We just want to live in peace," he said."We don't want any imminent threat hanging over our heads."

Forum in Egypt

Trump is expected to travel to Egypt for a summit with world leaders to discuss the future of the Gaza Strip. The Republican joked about the delay in the speeches.

"They may not be there when I get there, but we'll try," said Trump, who questioned the length of speeches by Netanyahu and opposition leader Yair Lapid.

The Trump administration invited Netanyahu to the summit in Egypt, but the prime minister declined due to the proximity of the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.

Despite relief on both sides, the ceasefire and prisoner exchange did not end the war, and many questions remain about what comes next in Gaza, including whether Hamas will agree to the Trump plan's demand that it disarm.

In his speech, Netanyahu said Trump was “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House” and promised to work with him in the future.

"Mr. President, you are committed to this peace. I am committed to this peace," he said."And together, Mr. President, we will achieve this peace."

Truce

Under the agreement reached last week, Israeli forces withdrew to a new line inside the Gaza Strip on Friday, 10, opening a 72-hour deadline for the release of the hostages.

The Hamas terrorist group released all its hostages alive on Monday, and Tel Aviv has also released around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, who were transported to the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Hamas is obligated by the ceasefire to hand over the remains of deceased hostages, but it's unclear how quickly this will happen. According to the Hostage Families Forum, only four hostages' bodies will be returned to Israel this Monday.

Tel Aviv believes 26 hostages are dead, while the condition of two others has not been confirmed. Officials said Hamas will have to search for the remains of some hostages, which could take some time./com NYT and AP