• Trump announces hostages held by Hamas are to be released on Monday or Tuesday.
• The release is part of a broader ceasefire and peace plan initiated by the US.
• Approximately 20 living hostages will be exchanged for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
• Trump expressed optimism over achieving lasting peace in the region.
• Details of the trip to Egypt and potential discussions in the Israeli Knesset are underway.

US President Donald Trump announced that hostages held by Hamas in Gaza should be released on Monday or Tuesday, as part of a broader ceasefire agreement. At a recent White House cabinet meeting, Trump detailed a plan in which the living hostages, totaling 20 individuals, are expected to be released alongside the remains of those who died in captivity. He emphasized the need for “lasting peace” in the region, stating, "We’re going to create something where people can live. You can’t live right now in Gaza," according to SCMP and India Times.

As part of the US-backed ceasefire deal, the exchange of the hostages, which includes a total of 48 individuals (20 living and the remains of 28 deceased), is expected within 72 hours following the ceasefire's commencement. Trump mentioned that "some of those bodies are being unearthed right now," highlighting the tragedy of the situation. Meanwhile, Israeli troops began to withdraw from Gaza as the ceasefire took effect and the countdown for the exchange commenced, according to Al Jazeera and India Times.

Trump's upcoming trip includes a signing ceremony in Egypt and a potential address at the Israeli Knesset, indicating active involvement in the peace process. The White House is reportedly working to finalize logistics for this trip as the administration aims to bolster support for the ceasefire agreement. Although optimism surrounds this initiative, questions about the long-term future of Gaza remain, as stated by Trump, "because, you’ll find out that when you’re sitting in a beautiful room in Egypt, it’s easy to work something out," according to SCMP and Al Jazeera.