Trump expects hostages to be released early next week

President Donald Trump said that hostages held by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip are to be released on Monday or Tuesday. Trump made the announcement on Thursday during a cabinet meeting at the White House, where he also announced the conclusion of an agreement on the first phase of a peace plan for Gaza.

Hamas is to release a total of 20 living hostages within 72 hours of the start of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Trump said that according to the plan, Gaza would be “gradually rebuilt,” alluding to the intention to redesign the Palestinian enclave. However, he did not provide any details. “We are creating something where people can live. At present, it is impossible to live in Gaza,” he said.

The president expressed hope that the agreement would lead to lasting peace in the region and announced that he would attend the signing ceremony in Egypt. The White House is currently working out the details of this visit.

When asked about the possibility of a two-state solution, Trump replied that he had no opinion of his own and would abide by whatever the parties involved ultimately agreed upon.

(reuters, sie)