Trump Supports Israeli Hostage Deal, Netanyahu Confirms First Phase of Agreement

US President-elect Donald Trump expressed support for the ongoing Israeli-Hamas hostage deal, encouraging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to continue with the negotiations. Trump emphasized the urgency of ending the hostage crisis, saying, "This has to end... just keep doing what you have to do." When asked about the likelihood of the hostages being released, Trump stated, “We’re going to see very soon, and it better hold.”

Trump's administration has also played a key role in ensuring the ceasefire holds, with the President-elect stressing that respect for the United States is paramount. "If they respect us, it will hold. If they don’t respect us, all hell will break out," Trump warned. He also expressed a commitment to upholding the ceasefire, provided that Israel's security interests are not compromised.

Netanyahu addressed the nation on Saturday evening, reaffirming Israel’s goals and the importance of the deal’s first phase. “The mission of freeing the hostages has stuck with me the entire time,” he said, outlining Israel's commitment to returning all hostages and eliminating Hamas's governing capabilities.

The Prime Minister revealed that 157 hostages have already been brought back, 117 of whom are alive. The agreement will bring 33 more hostages home in the first phase, with most of them alive. Netanyahu credited both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration for their support in securing the deal, noting Trump’s personal involvement in mobilizing efforts to bring the hostages home.

In his speech, Netanyahu highlighted the importance of Israel's military progress in Gaza, stating that despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces will maintain strategic positions and continue operations if necessary. He emphasized that any released prisoners will be sent to Gaza or abroad, not to the West Bank, in order to protect Israeli citizens.

The prime minister also outlined Israel’s successes in weakening Hamas leadership, eliminating key figures like Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, and making significant strides in regional security.

The hostage deal represents a delicate balance between humanitarian efforts and Israel's broader security objectives, with ongoing international attention on the outcome of these negotiations.