Israel News of the Week: Hostages Home, Trump in Jerusalem, and Songs of Joy Across Israel
After two long years, the words we’ve all prayed to hear finally came true:
“The war is over.”
It has been a week of answered prayers and unforgettable moments in Israel.
Every living hostage has been freed. The ceasefire has taken hold. And President Donald J. Trump arrived in Jerusalem to address the Knesset after brokering what even critics are calling one of the most remarkable peace deals in modern history.
From tears of relief in Hostages Square to songs of praise rising in homes across Israel, this week’s headlines tell a story of faith, courage, and the power of persistence.
Hostages Freed, Families Reunited
The week began with extraordinary news from Fox News:
“Living Israeli hostages freed from Gaza, Trump addresses Knesset after historic peace deal.”
All living Israeli hostages have been released as part of the U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire. President Trump landed in Jerusalem to address the Knesset as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog praised his leadership in bringing the war to an end.
Across Israel, joy poured into the streets.
The Jewish Chronicle captured the moment perfectly: “Songs of joy and tears of relief as hostages reunite with families after two years apart.”
Crowds filled Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square waving Israeli and American flags, singing Am Yisrael Chai—“The people of Israel live.”
Trump in Jerusalem: A Peace President on the World Stage
In what may become one of the defining moments of his presidency, President Trump addressed the Knesset and declared that the release of the hostages marked “a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.”
Ben Shapiro, reporting from Jerusalem in his DailyWire+ podcast, said the President “electrified the Knesset” and “united Israel and her allies in hope.”
Ep. 2296 – TRIUMPH: Trump Frees Hostages, ELECTRIFIES Knesset
The New York Sun celebrated the diplomatic breakthrough in
“‘The War Is Over’ – Trump turns to building the peace.”
The editorial praised the creation of a Trump-led peace commission and Netanyahu’s declaration that “Israel’s sovereignty will never again be in question.”
From the U.S., The New York Post’s Miranda Devine wrote that the deal revealed “the alpha strength of true leadership,” chronicling Trump’s whirlwind 36-hour trip—signing the ceasefire with Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, then receiving a standing ovation in Jerusalem.
“Trump Derangement Syndrome is on the way out – prez’s alpha-male greatness shines after peace deal.”
Faith, Strength, and Caution
Even as Israelis celebrate, leaders are urging vigilance.
At a memorial ceremony, Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed that “Israel will achieve all goals of the Gaza war.”
Read his remarks in Newsmax.
At the same time, Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz reminded readers that the peace plan’s success rests on Israel’s courage and military strength.
The New York Sun published his op-ed quoting Psalm 29: “The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.”
Those words ring especially true this week. Strength and peace are not opposites; in Israel, they have always walked hand in hand.
Critics at Home, Praise Abroad
Back in America, not everyone is cheering.
Fox News media analyst Howard Kurtz observed that President Trump is being “praised abroad for peace while still attacked at home.”
“Why Trump, rightly praised for the Gaza ceasefire, acts so differently at home.”
Yet the results speak for themselves.
The hostages are home. The guns are silent. And the world has witnessed that peace with Israel is possible when conviction meets faith.
Looking Ahead
Peace is never the end of the story—it is the beginning of a new chapter.
During live remarks, President Trump clarified that the United States will not send troops into Gaza but “may back nearby allies to finish the job if Hamas resumes its attacks.”
Times of Israel Live Blog: October 16, 2025
Faith After the Fire
As we reflect on this week’s extraordinary news, we remember that every ceasefire, every speech, and every handshake is still part of a greater story—the story of God’s promise to Israel.
The world may see politics, but we see prophecy unfolding: the gathering of nations, the restoration of God’s people, and the call for believers to watch, pray, and stand firm.
“The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” — Psalm 29:11
Let us continue to pray for Israel’s safety, for wisdom for President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, and for peace that no enemy can take away.
