Trump: Hostages to Be Freed Oct. 13, ‘Peace Council’ to Rebuild Gaza

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that, under the newly reached ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, hostages held in Gaza will be released on October 13. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said the deal marks a major diplomatic breakthrough, emphasizing that it aims not only to end the war in Gaza but also to restore peace across the broader Middle East.

“This is not just about stopping the fighting in Gaza,” Trump said. “It’s about achieving peace in the entire region. The whole world has come together for this.”

The agreement follows Hamas’s formal endorsement of the plan earlier this week, which includes a ceasefire, Israeli troop withdrawal, humanitarian aid access, and a prisoner exchange.

Trump: ‘Israel Can’t Fight the Whole World’

During his Fox News interview, Trump also disclosed details of his recent phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the Israeli leader was “in disbelief” over the progress made.

“I told Netanyahu that Israel can’t fight the whole world,” Trump said. “He knows that very well.”

The statement reflects Trump’s growing insistence that Israel exercise restraint and cooperate with the international coalition backing the peace initiative. The U.S. administration, along with mediators Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt, is expected to play a monitoring role in ensuring both sides adhere to the terms.

‘Peace Council’ to Lead Gaza Reconstruction

Outlining post-war plans, Trump revealed the creation of a new international body called the “Peace Council,” which will oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and governance after the ceasefire takes effect.

According to Trump, the council will coordinate infrastructure rebuilding, humanitarian logistics, and long-term governance frameworks, with a focus on restoring security and stability in the war-torn enclave.

“Gaza will be a much safer place,” Trump said. “And I believe the wealthy countries in the region will step up to help rebuild it.”

This council, he explained, will include regional powers and donor nations — likely from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) — working alongside U.S.-led international institutions to channel aid and investment.

Regional Support Expected for Reconstruction Effort

Trump underscored that countries with immense financial resources in the Middle East would play a crucial role in Gaza’s reconstruction. The initiative aims to create a sustainable governance structure that reduces dependence on external aid and stabilizes the region’s economic outlook.

The announcement has been met with cautious optimism by global observers, who see the creation of a multi-state reconstruction mechanism as a potentially transformative step — if both Israel and Hamas remain committed to the deal’s terms.

A Fragile But Defining Moment for the Middle East

Analysts describe the development as a pivotal moment in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While skepticism remains over long-term implementation, Trump’s plan marks the first coordinated effort in years where both parties — backed by regional and global mediators — have formally agreed on a timeline for de-escalation.

If hostages are released as planned and the ceasefire holds, the proposed “Peace Council” could become a blueprint for post-conflict governance and reconstruction in Gaza, reshaping the region’s diplomatic landscape.

For now, the world watches October 13 as the first true test of whether this latest peace effort can finally hold.