Israeli hostage release live updates: Donald Trump addresses Knesset after all 20 hostages released by Hamas

Thanks for following our live coverage as the final 20 Israeli hostages were released by Hamas after 737 days in Gaza.

Join us again tomorrow for more live updates.

Israel Defence Force spokesperson BG Effie Defrin celebrated the return of 20 living hostages “after enduring the cruel captivity of the Hamas terrorist organisation”.

“This is a defining moment, a moment that belongs to the people of Israel and to all of thsoe who believe in humanity,” he said on X.

“The IDF has kept its sacred promise to bring our people home, and we will not rest until the mission is complete.

“Wen are prepared for the return of all the foreign hostages and expect Hamas to abide by the terms of the agreement.”

US President Donald Trump has departed Israel for an international summit in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh.

The summit, which Mr Trump will co-chair with Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, is where Gaza’s peace plan is set to be formally signed.

More than 20 word leaders are expected to be in attendance including British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Mr Trump’s flight - which departed Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport about 4:25 local time - will take about 45 minutes.

Returning hostages Nimrod Cohen, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, and Bar Kupershtein have been airlifted by the Israeli Air Force and taken to hospital.

The hostages were joined by their families.

Israel Defense Force took to X, writing, “Operation ‘Returning Home.’”

“The returned hostages have undergone an initial medical assessment and are now on their way to hospitals, where they will reunite with the rest of their family members and receive continued medical care.”

President’s Trump one-hour speech concluded after telling the Knesset: “I love you, I’m with you all the way - stronger and more loving than ever before.”

“From the very first day that modern Israel was founded, we have stood together through thick and thin,” he said.

“Perhaps most beautifully of all, we have made peace together, and this week, against all odds, we have done the impossine and brought our hostages.

“Irael, America and all of the nations in the Middle East will soon be safer, stronger, greater and more prosperous than ever before.”

Mr Trump’s speech received 22 standing ovations.

President Donald Trump was forced to pause his speech after being interrupted by a reported left-wing protestor.

The man was dragged away by parliamentary security.

Mr Trump commended security staff, saying, “That was very efficient”.

“After two harrowing years and darkness and captivity, 20 courageous hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families,” he said.

“Twenty-eight more precious loved ones are coming home at last to rest in this sacred soil for all of time.

“After so many years of unceasing war and endless danger, today the skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still, and the sun rises on a holy land that is finally at peace - a land and a region that will live, God willing, in peace for all eternity.”

“Mr President, you have saved the lives of our hostages, but you have saved so much more,” he told the Israeli parliament.

“You have saved the souls of the bereaved, whose loved ones now will be brought home for burial.

“This is a historic moment, and a reminder that history is shaped by people.

“It is shaped by those who know the past but have the vision to change the future.”

“President Trump, the Knesset welcomes you and your distinguished delegation to Jerusalem, our eternal capital,” he said.

“There are many other reasons to thank you since your last visit here - thank you for recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

“Thank you for standing up to the lies against Israel and the United Nations.

“Thank you for withdrawing from the disastrous Iran nuclear deal.

“Donald Trump is the greatest friend that the State of Israel has ever had in the White House.”