Historic Hostage Release Marks New Era in Middle East Peace Process

In a pivotal move toward peace, Hamas freed the last 20 Israeli hostages on Monday as part of a U.S.-mediated ceasefire, aiming to conclude two tumultuous years of war in Gaza. The event, highlighted by President Trump's dramatic proclamation of a 'new Middle East dawn,' marks a hopeful transition toward cessation of hostilities.

The transfer, coordinated by the Red Cross, united thousands of Israelis in emotional celebrations at Tel Aviv's 'Hostage Square,' while buses transported Palestinian prisoners freed from Israeli jails to Gaza. Trump's address to the Knesset emphasized a transformed regional landscape, yet acknowledged persisting obstacles to sustained peace, especially regarding Gaza's governance and Hamas' disarmament.

Over 20 international leaders will assemble at a summit in Egypt to deliberate on next steps following Trump's ambitious peace outline, which seeks resolution to the Gaza conflict and broader Israeli-Palestinian tensions. Continued disputes over truce conditions, Palestinian statehood, and Israeli withdrawal pose significant challenges to enduring peace in the historically fraught Middle East.

(With inputs from agencies.)