**Trump Declares ‘Gaza War Over’ Ahead of Hostage-Prisoner Swap**
*By Chanshimla Varah | Oct 13, 2025 | 09:16 AM*
United States President Donald Trump has declared an end to the war in Gaza as he headed to Israel for a peace summit with world leaders. Speaking on Air Force One, Trump stated, “The war is over, you understand that,” and expressed optimism that the Middle East would soon “normalize.”
His remarks come as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues for the third consecutive day.
### Ceasefire Extended and Hostage-Prisoner Swap
The ceasefire agreement has been extended for an additional day. Under the terms, Hamas is expected to release Israeli hostages by noon on Monday. These hostages were captured during a surprise attack on October 7, 2023.
In exchange, Israel will free 1,700 Palestinians detained since the same date. The release includes 22 minors and the bodies of 360 militants. Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian announced that the release of living hostages is anticipated early Monday morning.
### Upcoming Events and Diplomatic Efforts
President Trump is scheduled to address Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, before traveling to a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. This summit aims to bring a definitive end to the Gaza war and will be attended by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and advisor Jared Kushner spoke at a rally in Tel Aviv on Saturday, urging the release of hostages and a halt to hostilities.
### The Peace Plan and Reactions
The United States, alongside Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, brokered what is being described as a first-phase ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised statement, said, “Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path. A path of building, a path of healing, and I hope a path of uniting hearts.”
Demonstrator Dalia Yosef expressed gratitude, saying, “For two years we have been waiting for this day, for this moment.”
### Reconstruction and Future Security Measures
Israel plans to destroy Hamas’s underground tunnels in Gaza after the hostages are safely returned, according to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.
Meanwhile, Amjad al-Shawa, from a Palestinian organization working with aid groups, estimates that approximately 300,000 tents will be needed to provide temporary shelter for 1.5 million displaced Gazans.
The ceasefire began on Friday morning following Israel and Hamas’s agreement on the initial phase of President Trump’s 20-point peace proposal. Negotiations for subsequent phases are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/trump-says-war-is-over-in-gaza/story