BREAKING: Trump arrives at Israeli Knesset as all living hostages released

President Trump's Arrival and Reception at the Knesset [00:00]

• President Trump arrived and entered the Knesset building.
• He engaged in handshakes and was seen greeting individuals.
• A significant moment involved a handshake and smile with Benjamin Netanyahu.
• The visit is noted as happening after tense exchanges between the two leaders, particularly regarding an Israeli attack in Qatar.
• He is being welcomed at the Knesset with highest honors.
• President Trump will be receiving the Medal of Honor, the highest civilian award.
• He was observed signing a guest book.
• He appeared to be writing a long, heartfelt message to the Israeli people and government.
• The message, visible on camera, reads: "This is my best." later clarified as: "This is my great honor, a great and beautiful day, a new beginning."
• He is very proud of this moment, calling it potentially the best moment of his life.
• He is happy to be in Israel and to have achieved what many could not.

President Trump writes to the Israeli people, "This is my great honor, a great and beautiful day, a new beginning."

This section details the initial moments of President Trump's arrival at the Knesset, highlighting the warm reception, the signing of a guest book with a profound message, and his personal pride in the day's developments, particularly his role in achieving a ceasefire and hostage release.

Hostage Release and Humanitarian Efforts [00:44]

• A day for the release of Israeli hostages finally happening.
• Emotional images are emerging from the released hostages, including two twin brothers held in separate locations.
• Confirmation is still awaited from the International Red Cross regarding the safe transfer of the last 13 living hostages.
• The Red Cross is on the scene in the Gaza Strip and has made contact with hostages and Hamas.
• Medical and identity checks are typically performed on hostages by the Red Cross.
• Images, some sent through Hamas phones, show the 13 hostages calling their families.
• Some hostages were smiling, bringing happiness to their families.
• It is still gut-wrenching that they are using their captors' phones to call home.
• All 13 living hostages have now been transferred to the International Red Cross in Gaza.
• They are safely transferred and in the hands of the Red Cross.
• They will be making their way to the IDF and then to Israel.
• All 20 living hostages have now been released from Hamas captivity.
• All 20 are walking on their own, which is good news, suggesting they did not need wheelchairs or stretchers.

We can now confirm, John, that all 13 living hostages have been transferred to the International Red Cross in Gaza.

This part focuses on the critical developments regarding the release of hostages, emphasizing the emotional impact, the role of the Red Cross, and the confirmation of all 20 living hostages being safely handed over.

Negotiation Dynamics and Deal Finalization [04:13]

• President Trump is walking through the Knesset, greeting people.
• He is escorted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sarah.
• An important relationship that forged this deal was highlighted, particularly a moment in the White House.
• President Trump made Benjamin Netanyahu call the Amir of Qatar and apologize for an air strike against Hamas negotiators in Doha.
• This event is seen as a turning point, with some believing military pressure brought Hamas to the table.
• Others suggest it angered President Trump, who then pressured Netanyahu, leading to a realization of a moment to act.
• Negotiators involved in the talks indicated a key moment was realizing Hamas viewed hostages less as an asset and more as a burden.
• This message, likely received through Qatari intermediaries, prompted Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to begin the final push.
• The deal was finalized in Charm el-Sheik, Egypt.
• The final message in the guest book is confirmed as: "This is my best. A great and beautiful day, a new beginning."
• These are profound words for someone becoming a peacemaker in the Middle East.

Some say that it took that military pressure to bring Hamas to the table. Others said it made President Trump so angry that he put pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu and um that is when they realized there was a moment.

This section delves into the intricate negotiation process, highlighting key turning points, the influence of specific diplomatic actions, and the strategic shift in how hostages were perceived, ultimately leading to the finalization of the deal.

Broader Conflict Context and Future Steps [07:03]

• President Trump is making his way to the podium in the Knesset to address the government.
• The government has been divided until now, with disunity on the issue of hostages and how to prosecute the war.
• Today represents a show of unity with the President of the United States addressing the Knesset.
• He is the fourth president to ever do so on this momentous and happy occasion.
• For the families of the 28 deceased hostages who remain in Gaza, it is still a bittersweet moment.
• They will not have closure until those 28 deceased hostages return home.
• The mourning for the 1,200 people killed two years ago has been in a state of suspended mourning.
• In Gaza, 90% of the strip is rubble, and hundreds of dead bodies of Palestinians are being unearthed.
• 500,000 Palestinians have returned to their homes, much of which was destroyed.
• Israel blames Hamas for hiding hostages and militants in civilian areas and tunnels under hospitals.
• The destruction in Gaza is described as unprecedented since World War II or Hiroshima.
• President Trump will be speaking to some of the families of the hostages.
• He may be on the phone with some of the hostages and their families.
• He considers this his greatest achievement and a high point in his presidency.
• He will be traveling to Charm el-Sheik, Egypt, to meet with leaders of 20 countries, including the Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas.
• A signing ceremony for the end to the Gaza war will take place.
• Israel will not be traveling to Egypt for this ceremony.
• A signing ceremony with Hamas and intermediaries occurred last Wednesday, initiating a timetable for Israeli Defense Forces to pull back.
• The IDF still controls about 53% of the Gaza Strip but has pulled back to an agreed line.
• Within 72 hours of the ceasefire and IDF pull-back, hostages were to be released, and 2,000 Palestinian prisoners released.
• This timetable has been adhered to.

The destruction is like something I I we haven't seen since uh you know since sort of World War II Dresden era photos or Hiroshima. It is really unbelievable.

This section provides a comprehensive overview of the broader context of the conflict, including the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the lingering pain for families of deceased hostages, the political landscape, and the planned diplomatic steps, such as the upcoming summit in Egypt to formally end the war.