Trump hails return of last hostage: ‘No one believed we’d bring back all the hostages’

Trump said attention must now shift to the next stage of the agreement, including the disarmament of Hamas.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the final Israeli hostage had been recovered from Gaza, writing, “Just recovered the last Hostage body in GAZA. Thus, got back ALL 20 of the living Hostages, and ALL of the Dead! AMAZING JOB! Most thought of it as an impossible thing to do. Congratulations to my great team of Champions!!! President DJT.”

In remarks to Axios and Israel’s Channel 12, Trump said the return of Ran Gvili’s body completed the recovery of every Israeli hostage, living and deceased, under the first phase of his peace initiative.

He described the search as “very tough,” saying teams “had to go through hundreds of bodies” in what he called “a hard scene.”

He added, “Nobody believed we would bring back all the hostages. It was a great moment,” noting that only Israelis and the families truly grasp the importance of bringing every last remnant home.

Trump said Hamas assisted during the process, adding that information from the group contributed to the effort. He said attention must now shift to the next stage of the agreement, including the disarmament of Hamas.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote, “Incredible news. President Trump made this possible,” and told reporters: “This is a huge foreign policy victory for the President of the United States, the State of Israel and, frankly, for the whole world.”

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called it “one of the most wonderful bits of news in a long time! ALL hostages home!”

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said he had met the Gvili family and prayed with them for their son’s return.

Trump adviser Jared Kushner, Rep. Ritchie Torres and World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder also issued statements welcoming the recovery of the body.