U.S. President Donald Trump says he expects all hostages held in Gaza — including the remains of those killed — to be returned on Monday, following a ceasefire deal reached between Israel and Hamas.
In a late Wednesday phone interview with Fox News, Trump revealed optimism about the agreement, saying, “So much is happening to get the hostages freed, and we think they’ll all be coming back on Monday. That’ll include the bodies of the dead.”
The announcement came just hours after Trump unveiled a sweeping 20-point peace plan designed to end the two-year war that has devastated Gaza and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis.
According to the president, the plan requires Hamas to release all hostages while Israel withdraws its forces to an agreed line — a framework reportedly finalized after peace talks in Egypt.
Calling it a potential turning point for the Middle East, Trump hinted that even Iran could play a constructive role in the deal. “This is more than Gaza — this is peace in the Middle East,” he said. “Iran is going to be actually a part of the whole peace situation.”
Trump described the agreement as a global effort, saying it would benefit Israel, Arab nations, and the broader Muslim world.
Looking ahead, he expressed hopes that Gaza could rise from its ruins with international support: “Gaza is going to be rebuilt. Countries in the region — they’re wealthy, and they want to see it happen. And we’ll be there to help make it peaceful and successful.”
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