Netanyahu and Trump Share ‘Warm, Emotional’ Call Following Gaza Agreement; Israeli PM Invites Former President to Knesset

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with former US President Donald Trump following the signing of a historic agreement for the release of hostages, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced on Thursday.

Warm, Emotional Call

According to the statement, the leaders had a “very emotional and warm conversation,” congratulating each other on the landmark achievement. Netanyahu thanked Trump for his “efforts and global leadership,” while Trump praised Netanyahu for his “determined leadership” in securing the deal.

Both leaders agreed to continue close cooperation, and Netanyahu invited Trump to address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, in the near future.

Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release

Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement on Thursday, potentially resulting in the release of all remaining living hostages within days—a major breakthrough after a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and created one of the region’s worst humanitarian crises.

The deal, set to be formally signed Thursday, includes:

The release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners

Delivery of large-scale humanitarian aid to Gaza

The conflict began with Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, which has since escalated into over two years of violence.

Hostage Exchange Details

A Hamas source confirmed that the first phase involves exchanging 20 living hostages for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life terms and 1,700 others detained since the start of the war, expected within 72 hours of the deal’s implementation.

Trump announced that he expected all hostages to return by Monday, adding that the United States will support Gaza’s reconstruction and ensure it remains “safe and peaceful.”

Mediators and Regional Impact

Qatar, a key mediator in the talks, stated that the agreement marks the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, paving the way for:

End of hostilities

Release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners

Entry of vital humanitarian aid into the enclave

The breakthrough is being hailed as a critical step toward ending one of the region’s longest-running conflicts and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.