Tel Aviv/Washington, October 13 (Daily Kiran): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said that the expected release of hostages from Hamas captivity on Monday would mark “the beginning of a new era” for Israel. In an emotional message delivered in Hebrew, Netanyahu said, “It is an emotional evening… tomorrow, our sons will return home. It will be an evening of tears, joy, and hope — a new dawn for Israel.”
He added, however, that Israel’s military campaign is not over yet, warning that enemies “are regrouping and trying to strike again.”
Trump Heads to Israel Ahead of Hostage Release
US President Donald Trump departed from Joint Base Andrews at around 4:45 PM (Eastern Time) on Sunday evening, heading for Tel Aviv to join Israel during what he called “a very special moment.” He is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday morning local time.
Before boarding Air Force One, Trump told reporters, “This will be a very special time. Everyone is very excited for what lies ahead.”
Trump is accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Kane, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and senior aides Stephen Miller, Dan Scavino, Steven Cheung, and Press Secretary Carolyn Leavitt, along with Ambassador Monica Crowley.
Knesset Address Faces Boycott from Israeli Lawmakers
Three right-wing Israeli lawmakers announced that they would boycott President Trump’s scheduled address to the Knesset (Parliament) on Monday. Among them is MK Amit Halevi from Netanyahu’s Likud party, who called the event “a false display of victory.” He criticized the truce deal, saying it would allow Turkey and Qatar to expand their influence in Gaza.
Limor Son Har-Melech, of the Otzma Yehudit Party led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, also said she would not “join the applause,” claiming that the US President was “selling Israelis an illusion of peace and security.” Avi Maoz, leader of the Noam Party, echoed similar sentiments, calling the ceasefire “a dangerous step for Israel.”
Celebrations Across Israel
Ahead of his departure, Trump said that millions of people had gathered across Israel over the past two days to celebrate the anticipated release of hostages from Gaza. “Everyone is cheering together — something that has never happened before,” he said, adding that it was an honor for him to be part of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire discussions.
According to Israeli officials, families of the hostages have been instructed to arrive at Re’im Military Airbase, near the Gaza border, by 7:30 AM local time (12:30 AM Eastern Time). The first group of hostages is expected to be released by 8:00 AM local time, followed by a second phase around 9:00 AM from separate locations.
Tony Blair Meets Palestinian Authority Leader
Palestinian Authority Deputy Chairman Hussein al-Sheikh confirmed a meeting with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Sunday to discuss Gaza’s post-war future and support for President Donald Trump’s peace efforts. Al-Sheikh posted on X (formerly Twitter), “We discussed ways to support efforts aimed at ending the war and establishing lasting peace in the region.”
Blair, who led the UK during the Iraq War, has recently re-emerged in headlines amid reports of his possible involvement in a Gaza reconstruction authority.
Canada’s PM to Attend Egypt Summit
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to attend the Gaza Summit on Monday, where more than 20 world leaders are expected to participate and sign a proposed ceasefire framework.
Carney’s office confirmed that he will depart for Egypt at 6:30 PM (local time) on Sunday evening.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment