(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of AAA East Central)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Gas prices are five cents lower in Western Pennsylvania this week at about $3.40 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. As fall continues, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline “falls” to $3.08, five cents lower than last week. The report states that at this time a year ago, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Western Pennsylvania is around $3.55 and the average price that you can expect for a gallon of unleaded gas here in Beaver County is about $3.52. According to a release from AAA East Central and AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report, here are the average prices of unleaded self-serve gasoline this week in various Pennsylvania areas:

$3.258      Altoona
$3.524      Beaver
$3.547      Bradford
$3.057      Brookville
$3.474      Butler
$3.029      Clarion
$3.191      DuBois
$3.310      Erie
$3.405      Greensburg
$3.398      Indiana
$3.490      Jeannette
$3.505      Kittanning
$3.433      Latrobe
$3.269      Meadville
$3.550      Mercer
$3.375      New Castle
$3.494      New Kensington
$3.531      Oil City
$3.482      Pittsburgh
$3.257      Sharon
$3.498      Uniontown
$3.596      Warren
$3.439      Washington

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging in Harrisburg yesterday, that departmentis reminding older adults that the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period will begin tomorrow and end on December 7th, 2025. January 1st, 2026 is when any new coverage selected or changes to existing benefits will take effect. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is offering objective and free health benefits counseling through Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight, which is also known as PA MEDI. You can call the PA MEDI helpline at 1-800-783-7067 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or you can visit the website links below for more information:

Click here for more information about PA MEDI – Medicare Counseling | Department of Aging | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Click here for more information about Medcare Drug Price Negotiation Program: Negotiated Prices for Initial Price Applicability Year 2026

Click here to call your local AAA: Area Agencies on Aging | Department of Aging | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published October 13, 2025 8:24 P.M.

(Pulaski Twp, Beaver County, Pa) Residents packed the Pulaski Township firehall Monday night with concerns over a proposed contract with the Beaver Valley Regional Police Department.

The 10 year contract would give Beaver Valley Regional Police jurisdiction over Pulaski Township with approximately $10,000 in savings compared to the New Brighton Police. Residents say they want to keep New Brighton Police in the township, acknowledging their tight knit relationship with the community and close proximity.

A major concern among many is the fact that the New Brighton Elementary and High schools are located in Pulaski. Currently, the district has their own police department, which consists of a single officer but are otherwise protected by New Brighton police.

Beaver Valley Regional Police Chief Michael Priolo stated that the calculated average response time to a call in Pulaski would be 15 minutes. He did note along with Township Supervisor Casey Zachondi, that with a school emergency all available departments would respond regardless.

One resident also noted suggested that those in the Borough of New Brighton, Daugherty Township, and Fallston Boro should also have a say, considering their children all attend the district.

The Chief stated that Beaver Valley Regional currently operates with four officers on duty between four communities. Those communities are Freedom, Baden, Rochester and Conway, where the department is headquartered. Pulaski would be the fifth community on their patrol.

Chief Priolo also made reference that the department, which was established in 2023, is still new and learning, prompting commotion from the audience with one resident yelling, “so we’re guinea pigs?”

Current New Brighton Police officers were in attendance as well. One officer asked whether the $10,000 savings is really worth it to the township, stating that the township currently receives roughly $3,000 dollars from citations issued in the township, bringing those proposed savings down to just roughly $7,000.

He said “I think it’s clear that there shouldn’t be this stress on our community right now, and our school district and our children”.

The officer went on to say “I don’t see where there’s a decision to be made, the decision has been made by the people, and that’s who you guys represent and not do an injustice to”.

Multiple residents are also concerned that the contract has changed over the last month and it still hasn’t been posted anywhere publicly. It was intially a 5 year contract with an optional 5 year extension.

Overall, a common goal among residents is to give the decision to the community with a ballot vote in the spring. The Township says they are looking into the option but nothing is set in stone. The route may require gathering signatures from the community.

The final board vote was originally scheduled for the Monday night meeting but Zachondi says that was pushed off until November as a result last month’s meeting.

If the board follows through with the November vote, 2 out of 3 votes will be needed to accept the contract with Beaver Valley Regional.

The most common question asked by residents throughout the meeting: “Why fix what is not broken?”.

(File Photo of Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that tomorrow, weather permitting, a shoulder restriction on I-376 (Parkway West) in the City of Pittsburgh will occur. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow, a shoulder restriction will occur on I-376 in each direction between the West End (Exit 69C) interchange and the Fort Pitt Tunnel as crews from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy will conduct landscaping operations there. 

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Joe Kostka searches for ripe pawpaws in his home orchard where he’s grown the native fruit for 21 years, in Natrona Heights, Pa,, Sept. 30, 2025. (Quinn Glabicki/Pittsburgh’s Public Source via AP)

(Allegheny County, PA) (AP) On a wooded hillside along the banks of the Allegheny River, Gabrielle Marsden brushed up against an oblong leaf: Asimina triloba. The American pawpaw.

The deciduous tree bears North America’s largest native fruit, and, as Marsden explained, supports the zebra swallowtail butterfly — a species that has all but disappeared from the Pittsburgh region.

“They don’t exist here, really,” Marsden said as she trekked along the river. The closest she’s found them is in Northern West Virginia.

“The most important thing for restoring any species is restoring their habitat,” she said, pausing below a grove of 40-foot-tall pawpaw trees tucked above the railway and flanked by the rusted frame of a Ford sedan. “Nature will do the rest.”

Marsden has become a foremost advocate for the preservation and local resurgence of the pawpaw and the butterfly that depends on it. She’s tied in with a growing community of enthusiasts and nonprofits committed to planting pawpaws and promoting the return of the zebra swallowtail.

Most butterflies have one particular plant that they’re drawn to. For the zebra swallowtail, it’s the pawpaw. Its larval caterpillar feasts on the tree’s long, obovate leaves.

At one point in time, millions of zebra swallowtails likely fluttered throughout the Pittsburgh region, explained Kevin Keegan, who studies moths and butterflies as the insect collection manager of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

But as Pittsburgh industrialized and riverbanks gave way to railways, steel mills and slag dumps, the zebra swallowtail disappeared. Keegan attributed as much as 95% of the species’ decline to industrialization. He estimated that as few as 100 zebra swallowtails remain in the Pittsburgh area.

Marsden has imported and released some, and others have reported a rare visit by a lone zebra swallowtail to home gardens with pawpaws.

“We can and we should bring it back,” Marsden said of the butterfly. Plus, she added, “pawpaw fruit is yummy.”

Looking out over the Allegheny River, Joe Kostka stood in his backyard orchard, surrounded by pawpaw trees. Green, fist-sized fruit littered the ground, and he roamed the grove, squeezing and sniffing, searching for ripeness.

“Look at this,” he said, gesturing overhead toward a fruit larger than a mango. “If that fell on your head, you’re gonna know it.”

Kostka and his wife, Diane, have grown pawpaws in their Natrona Heights orchard for 21 years. They’ve placed in the annual pawpaw festival in Ohio, one year taking third place for best pawpaw.

Their basement refrigerator is full of cultivars — pawpaws bred to be eaten, with fewer seeds and sweeter flesh. They’d collected about a dozen over the years — Shenandoah, Susquehanna and other varieties from the pawpaw research center at Kentucky State University and throughout the eastern United States.

After the pandemic, Marsden began hosting an annual party to raise awareness for the pawpaw and its ecological significance. Each time, she said, it’s grown in popularity, with nearly 200 people attending this year.

“I’ve been chasing pawpaws for four years,” said Adell Kitchens, a self-described forager and native plant-lover from McKees Rocks. “I’d never found one.”

The pawpaw can be elusive. The fruit has a relatively short season in late summer, and it’s not typically sold in grocery stores or farmers markets. “But it’s a local fruit, and it should be accessible,” Kitchens added. “These are like a unicorn,” Kitchens said after another bite of wild pawpaw, likening the flavor to a pear and avocado, crossed perhaps with a bit of banana.

Partygoers lined up for a smorgasbord of pawpaws both wild and cultivated, kombuchas, cheesecake, pawpaw ice cream and beer.

Beneath a tent, Jasen Bernthisel sat with the last of his pawpaw saplings. He’d already sold several hundred this year. “The pawpaw is really hot,” he said. A resilient, compact tree that bears fruit within a few years of planting, he explained, pawpaws make a lot of sense for home gardens and urban orchards.

“I feel like people are getting hip to them,” he said, looking around at scores of pawpaw partygoers. “This is evidence of it.”

Across town, at the site of a former steel mill in Upper Lawrenceville, Tree Pittsburgh has produced and distributed thousands of pawpaw trees since the nonprofit began growing native tree species 15 years ago.

What began as a small movement of niche interest in the pawpaw has grown substantially, and the organization has spent years hand-selecting a genetically diverse pool of pawpaw seeds, and sourcing others from across Northern Appalachia. Those pawpaws have been planted in public park restoration projects, along Pittsburgh’s many riverfronts and waterways, and in community orchards across the region. Hundreds have been adopted by locals through the organization’s tree adoption program.

“Demand far outweighs the supply,” said Megan Palomo, who oversees the organization’s nursery, which produces roughly 300 pawpaws a year.

After more than two decades growing pawpaw, the Kostkas finally spotted a single zebra swallowtail fluttering above their orchard last June. They found eggs laid atop a pawpaw leaf.

The newly certified members of the North American Pawpaw Growers Association carry seeds whenever they go hiking along the Allegheny, carving a shallow hole to plant them. They’re hoping more people will join the fruiting frenzy, and perhaps bring about a return of the elusive zebra swallowtail.

Keegan, the butterfly researcher, is cautiously hopeful: “Every little thing helps.”

Beaver County Radio

BEAVER FALLS — The Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls invites the public to a unique celebration of history, heritage and community at the Antiques Appraisal Event on Nov. 1.

Lasting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this free event offers residents the opportunity to step into the grand halls of the historic library, where timeless architecture provides the perfect backdrop for a day dedicated to treasured antiques and family heirlooms.
For one day only,

The library will transform into a vibrant showcase of stories and memories. Community members are encouraged to bring their antiques and heirlooms to be appraised by Tom Dorn and his team of professional experts from Columbiana,
Ohio. Known for their passion and expertise in uncovering the unique histories behind
personal artifacts, Dorn’s team will help attendees learn more about the origins and
potential value of their cherished belongings.

“This event is about more than just discovering what something is worth—it’s about
making connections and sharing the stories that make our community special,” Brenda Mellen, a board member and event spokesperson for the Carnegie Free Library
of Beaver Falls said. “We invite everyone to participate, whether you’re curious about a family treasure or simply enjoy learning about the history living among us.”

The Antiques Appraisal Event is free and no appointments are necessary;
appraisals will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are
encouraged to bring photographs or documentation related to their items if available, to help the appraisers provide the most accurate information possible.

What to Bring:
Items that spark your curiosity or hold sentimental value. Examples:
*Antique furniture or small household items
*Jewelry — vintage, fine or costume
*Family heirlooms

*Coins, medals and currency
*Collectible toys and dolls
*Fine art, prints and paintings
*Books, manuscripts and letters
*Porcelain, glassware and ceramics
* Photographs and ephemera
*Textiles and vintage clothing

If you’re unsure whether your item qualifies, bring it along. The appraisers are prepared for a wide range of objects and delight in the variety that each guest brings.
Meet the Appraisers

Throughout the day, appraisers will share tips for caring for your antiques, spotting
reproductions and understanding the stories behind different styles and materials. If
your item is especially rare or intriguing, you might even find yourself the centerpiece of an impromptu presentation, sharing your object’s story with the audience.

Event Details at a Glance
Saturday, Nov. 1
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls, 1301 Seventh Ave., Beaver Falls

(File Photo: Source for Photo: President Donald Trump meets with Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi during a summit to support ending the more than two-year Israel-Hamas war in Gaza after a breakthrough ceasefire deal, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt (AP) — President Donald Trump arrived in Egypt on Monday for a global summit on Gaza’s future as he tries to advance peace in the Middle East after visiting Israel to celebrate a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hamas.

The whirlwind trip, which included a speech at the Knesset in Jerusalem earlier in the day, comes at a fragile moment of hope for ending two years of war between Israel and Hamas.

“Everybody said it’s not possible to do. And it’s going to happen. And it is happening before your very eyes,” Trump said alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi.

More than two dozen countries are expected to be represented at the summit. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was invited but declined, with his office saying it was too close to a Jewish holiday.

Despite unanswered questions about next steps in Gaza, which has been devastated during the conflict, Trump is determined to seize an opportunity to chase an elusive regional harmony.

“You’ve won,” he told Israeli lawmakers at the Knesset, which welcomed him as a hero. “Now it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East.”

Trump promised to help rebuild Gaza, and he urged Palestinians to “turn forever from the path of terror and violence.”

“After tremendous pain and death and hardship,” he said, “now is the time to concentrate on building their people up instead of trying to tear Israel down.”

Trump even made a gesture to Iran, where he bombed three nuclear sites during the country’s brief war with Israel earlier this year, by saying “the hand of friendship and cooperation is always open.”

Trump is on a whirlwind trip to Middle East

Trump arrived in Egypt hours late because speeches at the Knesset continued longer than expected.

“They might not be there by the time I get there, but we’ll give it a shot,” Trump joked after needling Israeli leaders for talking so much.

Twenty hostages were released Monday as part of an agreement intended to end the war that began on Oct. 7, 2023, with an attack by Hamas-led militants. Trump talked with some of their families at the Knesset.

“Your name will be remembered to generations,” a woman told him.

Israeli lawmakers chanted Trump’s name and gave him standing ovation after standing ovation. Some people in the audience wore red hats that resembled his “Make America Great Again” caps, although these versions said “Trump, The Peace President.”

Netanyahu hailed Trump as “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House,” and he promised to work with him going forward.

“Mr. President, you are committed to this peace. I am committed to this peace,” he said. “And together, Mr. President, we will achieve this peace.”

Trump, in an unexpected detour during his speech, called on the Israeli president to pardon Netanyahu, whom he described as “one of the greatest” wartime leaders. Netanyahu faces corruption charges, although several hearings have been postponed during the conflict with Hamas.

The Republican president also used the opportunity to settle political scores and thank his supporters, criticizing Democratic predecessors and praising a top donor, Miriam Adelson, in the audience.

Trump pushes to reshape the region

The moment remains fragile, with Israel and Hamas still in the early stages of implementing the first phase of Trump’s plan.

The first phase of the ceasefire agreement calls for the release of the final hostages held by Hamas; the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel; a surge of humanitarian aid to Gaza; and a partial pullback by Israeli forces from Gaza’s main cities.

Trump has said there’s a window to reshape the region and reset long-fraught relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

“The war is over, OK?” Trump told reporters traveling with him aboard Air Force One.

“I think people are tired of it,” he said, emphasizing that he believed the ceasefire would hold because of that.

He said the chance of peace was enabled by his Republican administration’s support of Israel’s decimation of Iranian proxies, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The White House said momentum is also building because Arab and Muslim states are demonstrating a renewed focus on resolving the broader, decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict and, in some cases, deepening relations with the United States.

In February, Trump had predicted that Gaza could be redeveloped into what he called “the Riviera of the Middle East.” But on Sunday aboard Air Force One, he was more circumspect.

“I don’t know about the Riviera for a while,” Trump said. “It’s blasted. This is like a demolition site.” But he said he hoped to one day visit the territory. “I’d like to put my feet on it, at least,” he said.

The sides have not agreed on Gaza’s postwar governance, the territory’s reconstruction and Israel’s demand that Hamas disarm. Negotiations over those issues could break down, and Israel has hinted it may resume military operations if its demands are not met.

Much of Gaza has been reduced to rubble, and the territory’s roughly 2 million residents continue to struggle in desperate conditions. Under the deal, Israel agreed to reopen five border crossings, which will help ease the flow of food and other supplies into Gaza, parts of which are experiencing famine.

Roughly 200 U.S. troops will help support and monitor the ceasefire deal as part of a team that includes partner nations, nongovernmental organizations and private-sector players.

(File Photo: Source for Photo: People react as they gather to watch a live broadcast of Israeli hostages released from Gaza at a plaza known as hostages square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

(AP) Hamas released all 20 remaining living hostages on Monday as part of a ceasefire pausing two years of war that pummeled the Gaza Strip, killing tens of thousands of Palestinians.

President Donald Trump, addressing the Israeli Knesset, urged Israel to work toward peace following the U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage deal, an agreement that he declared had effectively ended the Israel-Hamas war and opened the door to building a more stable Middle East.

Under the deal, Israel released over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and promised to allow a surge of food and aid supplies into famine-stricken Gaza.

Trump arrived in Egypt later Monday for a global summit on Gaza’s future. More than two dozen countries are expected at the meeting, which Trump is hosting along with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was invited but declined, with his office saying it was too close to a Jewish holiday.

Here’s the latest:

Egyptian leader praises Trump as ‘only one’ who can bring peace to the region

President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi’s comments come during a meeting with Trump. The leaders are co-chairing a summit on postwar Gaza in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

El-Sissi urged Trump to support a Gaza reconstruction conference Egypt is planning to host next month.

El-Sissi, whose government has served as a key mediator in ceasefire talks, also said Egypt is working to ensure that bodies of hostages in Gaza are found and handed over to Israel, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Trump praises el-Sissi on lack of crime

As he sat alongside the Egyptian leader, Trump returned to one of his favorite topics to discuss: crime.

During an impromptu bilateral meeting, Trump called el-Sissi “very powerful” and noted that there is “no crime” in Egypt.

“They have very little crime, you know. Because they don’t play games,” Trump said, adding: “Because they don’t play games like we do in the United States, with governors that have no idea what they’re doing.”

Later, Trump again remarked on the crime levels in Egypt and said el-Sissi “puts it out very quickly.”

“Some people think that’s not nice, but I think it’s great because people don’t want to be mugged and smashed, and they don’t want to be stupid people,” Trump said.

Egypt, home to over 115 million people, does face crime, particularly the harassment of women. However, its police use heavy-handed tactics, including torture, human rights activists have said.

Witkoff: ‘We’re dug in’

Trump’s lead Middle East negotiator predicted a long presence by the U.S. in the region following the ceasefire deal.

“We’re dug in,” said Witkoff, as Trump met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi in Sharm El-Sheikh. “We’ll be here quite a bit. That’s at the direction of the president.”

Witkoff also praised Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, saying: “Jared is remarkable to work with.”

“The minute we inked the deal, Jared and I were already working on the implementation side,” Witkoff added.

Tony Blair, ex-UK prime minister, joins the summit on Gaza

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who Trump has suggested would play a key role in governing postwar Gaza, is attending a summit in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Blair was met by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi upon his arrival to the venue, according to the Egyptian presidency.

Under Trump’s plan for Gaza, Blair would potentially lead a transitional authority that would run the Palestinian enclave. The proposed body would combine international expertise, technocrats, U.N. officials and Palestinian representatives, and would function under a U.N. mandate.

Trump lands in Egypt

Trump has arrived in Egypt for a summit with world leaders on Gaza.

Air Force One, escorted by Egyptian fighter jets, touched down at Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport. Trump is planning to attend what the White House has billed as a signing ceremony, helping to solidify a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel.

The flight followed Trump spending hours in Israel, where he met with relatives of hostages and gave a lengthy speech before parliament. Trump has called on Israel and the Arab world to seize on a U.S.-backed ceasefire as a means of promoting a larger peace around the Middle East.

Erdogan’s diplomatic push led to Netanyahu’s absence at the summit, Turkish official says

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched a diplomatic initiative to prevent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from attending a summit in Egypt on Monday aimed at cementing the ceasefire in Gaza, according to a Turkish government official.

The official, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity in line with government regulations, said Netanyahu ultimately decided not to participate after Turkey’s effort gained support from several other nations.

Netanyahu’s office announced that he would not attend the summit, citing a Jewish holiday.

The Turkish official declined to confirm media reports claiming Erdogan’s plane circled above the Red Sea as the president threatened to boycott the meeting, and that it only landed once it was clear Netanyahu would not be present.

— By Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey

Russia supports the Gaza ceasefire

Russia’s top diplomat on Monday expressed support for the full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said “we very much hope that everything that has been agreed upon will be fulfilled.”

At the same time, he noted the importance to develop a plan for creating a Palestinian state in the future.

Lavrov added that Moscow will be ready to join efforts to support any agreements if those involved ask for its assistance.

Hamas says it will release the bodies of 4 of the 28 deceased hostages later Monday

It was not immediately clear when the remaining 24 bodies would be sent back to Israel.

The families of the deceased captives have demanded the bodies be returned as part of the current ceasefire deal.

Trump leaving Israel for Egypt

After a lengthy speech to Israel’s parliament, Trump boarded Air Force One for a flight to Egypt, where he will attend a summit with many world leaders on Gaza.

On the tarmac, the president bid farewell to Netanyahu and his wife.

The Israeli prime minister was invited to the summit, but declined because it was too close to the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.

Trump then walked to the top of the steps and pumped his fist while he pointed at someone, likely Netanyahu. He said, “Great job, Bibi, great job,” before stepping inside.

Trump’s plane will head to Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport for what the White House has billed as a “ Summit for Peace.”

A hostage’s father fulfills a vow and stands up from wheelchair to hug his son

The father of one of the hostages who has spent years in a wheelchair after a car accident and stroke made a promise: when his son was released from captivity in Gaza, he would stand to welcome him home.

On Monday, in footage shown on Israeli media, family members sobbed as they helped Tal Kupershtein stand for a few minutes to hug his son, Bar, after he was released from two years in captivity in Gaza.

Tal Kupershtein also worked with a physical therapist to partially regain his ability to speak, so that he could advocate for his son, he said.

Starmer says UK ready to assist in Gaza ceasefire and removing Hamas weapons

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer says that his country is ready to assist in monitoring the ceasefire in Gaza, offering the U.K.’s experience in Northern Ireland to help in the decommissioning of Hamas’ military capability.

Speaking at a summit in Egypt, Starmer said Britain was read to “play its full part” in ensuring that the current ceasefire results in a lasting peace.

“We stand ready in relation to monitoring the ceasefire and decommissioning Hamas capability and weaponry, and that’s drawing on our experience in Northern Ireland and the IRA, which we dealt with in particular in relation to decommissioning,” he said in a joint appearance with the emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

German leader hopes Trump can now use his influence to end war in Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says he hopes U.S. President Donald Trump will bring to bear the same influence on Russia’s government to end the war in Ukraine as he did on players in the Middle East to secure an end to fighting in Gaza.

Merz said he wants to use the opportunity offered by Monday’s summit in Egypt to discuss again with Trump “what we can do together to end that war,” which has been going on for 3 ½ years.

Merz added: “From this place, the signal goes out that if the world community stands together, it is possible. But it must not just be possible in this place – it must also be possible in other regions of the world, and for us Europeans this war in Europe is the biggest threat to our freedom.”

154 Palestinian prisoners deported by Israel arrive in Egypt

An Egyptian official says 154 Palestinian prisoners who were released and deported by Israel arrived in Egypt at the Rafah crossing with Gaza.

The freed prisoners were to be sent to third countries as part of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, said the official, who has direct knowledge of the deal’s implementation. He spoke on condition of anonymity because has not authorized to brief the media.

The prisoners were among more than 1,900 Palestinians being freed by Israel in exchange for Hamas’ release of its remaining hostages.

Trump calls for a pardon for Netanyahu on corruption charges

The president even waded into Israeli domestic politics, surprisingly urging the Israeli president to pardon Netanyahu on corruption charges.

“That was not in the speech as you probably know,” Trump joked of his prepared remarks. He added to Netanyahu, “You are a very popular man. You know why? Because you know how to win.”

Netanyahu became the only sitting prime minister in Israeli history to be indicted when he was charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three separate cases after yearslong investigations accusing him of exchanging favors with wealthy political supporters.

But Trump declared, “Whether we like it or not, this has been one of the greatest wartime presidents … and cigars and champagne, who the hell cares about that.”

Iraqi leader threatened to leave summit if Netanyahu attended

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who traveled to Egypt to participate in a summit of world leaders aimed at solidifying the end of the war in Gaza Monday, informed Egyptian and U.S. officials that he would withdraw from the summit if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu participated, the state-run Iraqi News Agency reported.

Egypt’s presidency initially said Netanyahu would attend the summit, but Netanyahu’s office said Monday that he would not attend due to a Jewish holiday. The summit in Sharm el-Sheikh is co-chaired by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and U.S. President Donald Trump and will include around two dozen world leaders.

Trump wraps his speech to the Israeli parliament

The president concluded his rambling speech to the Knesset after a bit more than an hour.

His address was so lengthy that even after Trump said, “In closing” he continued for several more minutes.

Trump is still planning to head to Egypt for a summit later Tuesday featuring the leaders of many countries – though his trip is now hours behind schedule.

Trump says Palestinians should concentrate on ‘building their people up’

Trump’s speech to Israel’s parliament was preceded by lengthy speeches from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Knesset speaker and the opposition leader.

Trump was mid-speech more than an hour after he was due to arrive in the Egyptian seaside resort of Sharm el-Sheikh to discuss peace in the Middle East with other world leaders.

“I’ll be going there. I’ll be quite late,” Trump joked. “They might not be there by the time I get there but we’ll give it a shot.”

Palestinians rejoice at release of prisoners from Israel

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank rejoiced as prisoners released in an exchange with Israel left Ofer Prison and arrived in Beitunia.

Waving flags and wearing keffiyehs, hundreds gathered outside the Ramallah Palace of Culture to greet them. Reports by human rights groups detailing conditions in Israeli detention have made Palestinian prisoners enduring symbols of their people’s struggle.

“It was an indescribable journey of suffering — hunger, unfair treatment, oppression, torture and curses — more than anything you could imagine,” said Kamal Abu Shanab, a 51-year-old Fatah member from Tulkarem.

His face gaunt and his head shaved, Abu Shanab’s family said they barely recognized him. He said he lost 139 pounds (59 kilograms) during 18 1/2 years in prison. Most prisoners were serving long sentences for their involvement in deadly attacks against Israelis.

The bodies of 60 Palestinians recovered in Gaza

Gaza’s Health Ministry says the bodies of 60 Palestinians have been recovered from under the rubble of destroyed buildings and brought to hospitals in the last 24 hours.

That brought the number of recovered bodies to 200 in the past four days since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect and Israeli troops pulled back from some parts of Gaza.

The ministry says many dead are still under the rubble, particularly in areas inaccessible to first responders.

Israel’s campaign in Gaza killed more than 67,800 Palestinians, according to the health ministry. The ministry doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants but says around half of the dead were women and children.

Iran declines invitation for Gaza summit

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said it declined an invitation to attend the Sharm el-Sheikh summit in Egypt, based on its interests as well as U.S. “unilateralistic policy.”

The spokesman for the ministry, Esmail Baghaei, told reporters that the decision came after discussion both inside the ministry and other decision-making bodies in the country. “Positive and negative dimensions of any decision including participation and avoiding participation were calculated and eventually led to a decision that secures betterments and interests of the country.”

Netanyahu pledges that he is ‘committed to this peace’ in Knesset speech

He added: “Today, the Jewish calendar marks the end of two years of war.”

The ceasefire started on Friday and included the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for hostages. The later stages of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire are still being worked out.

UN chief says he is ‘profoundly relieved’

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says he is “profoundly relieved” that the Israeli hostages in Gaza have regained their freedom and will be reunited with their families after the “immense suffering” they have endured.

Guterres in a statement also reiterated his call for the release of the remains of the deceased hostages. The statement was issued from Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where world leaders were gathering to throw their weight behind the Gaza ceasefire deal.

“I urge all parties to build on this momentum and to honor their commitments under the ceasefire to end the nightmare in Gaza,” Guterres said. “The United Nations is working to support all efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and alleviate the suffering of civilians.”

Netanyahu won’t attend summit in Egypt

Netanyahu’s office said Monday that he will not travel to Egypt for a summit on the Israel-Hamas war due to a Jewish holiday.

The statement came after Egypt’s presidency said Netanyahu would attend the summit.

The Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah ends the weeklong Sukkot holiday. It was on this holiday, two years ago, that Hamas launched the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that began the Israel-Hamas war. Jewish holidays run on a lunar calendar.

Erdogan will also attend the Gaza summit in Egypt

The Turkish leader, whose government played a key role in brokering the Gaza ceasefire, is expected to deliver a speech and hold bilateral talks with fellow leaders attending the summit, according to a statement from his office.

The summit will be co-chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi, and bring together leaders from more than 20 countries.

Trump enters Knesset chamber ahead of his speech

Sustained applause and blaring trumpets greeted Trump. The chamber was crowded with lawmakers but also U.S. officials — including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defense.

Dan Caine, the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, was also attending. Trump’s speech was set to begin far later than originally scheduled.

He met beforehand with the families of some of the hostages once held by Hamas in Gaza.

Later on Monday, he was set to fly to Egypt to participate in a summit with world leaders.

Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel arrive in West Bank and Gaza

Israel is freeing more than 1,900 prisoners and detainees on Monday after Hamas released all remaining living hostages held in Gaza under the ceasefire deal.

The buses arrived in Ramallah, in the Israel-occupied West Bank, after leaving Ofer prison. At least one bus also crossed into the Gaza Strip, the Hamas-run Prisoners Office said.

Egypt says Trump engagement crucial for Gaza ceasefire

Egypt’s foreign minister tells The Associated Press that the success of President Donald Trump’s vision for peace in the region is his continued commitment, including applying pressure on the parties, and “even deployment on the ground” of an international force expected to carry out peacekeeping duties.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said Monday it is crucial to ensure that Israel and Hamas fully implement the first phase of the ceasefire deal so that the parties, with international backing, can begin negotiations on the second phase. That “is more difficult, more complicated and we have to keep President Trump engaging. It is very, very important because it is all about his engagement.”

Hamas welcomes Trump’s remarks that the war in Gaza is over

A Hamas spokesman has welcomed Trump’s remarks that the war in Gaza is over.

Writing on the Telegram messaging app, Hazem Kassem urged mediators and the international community to ensure that Israel won’t resume the war.

Trump plans to hail a ‘historic dawn of a new Middle East’

According to excerpts released by the White House, Trump will use his speech to the Knesset to say that, “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.”

“This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East,” Trump’s prepared remarks say.

The president frequently diverts from his speech text as written. But his speech to the Israeli parliament is clearly meant to suggest that the ceasefire his administration helped broker could spark a deeper, lasting peace around a volatile region.

Netanyahu will attend the Gaza summit in Egypt

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is attending the Gaza summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, the Egyptian presidency says.

According to Egypt, both Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are attending the summit in the Red Sea resort on Monday.

The summit is co-chaired by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and U.S. President Donald Trump and will be attended by over two dozen world leaders.

Netanyahu’s attendance comes as Trump is attempting to solidify the end of the war between Israel and Hamas. Trump has repeatedly suggested since leaving for Israel on Sunday night that the war is over. But the U.S.-brokered ceasefire could still face challenges.

Israel takes custody of 13 hostages

The Israeli military said it received the 13 hostages from the Red Cross.

The 13 will be transferred to a military base in southern Israel to be reunited with their families. They’ll then be taken by helicopter to Israeli hospitals.

Hamas releases 13 remaining living hostages to Red Cross officials, Israeli military says

Hamas released 13 remaining living hostages to Red Cross officials on Monday, the Israeli military said.

The Israeli military will take custody of the hostages and transport them onward to Israel.

Trump again says Israel’s war with Hamas is over

In the Knesset gallery, where Trump was set to speak, quite a few people in the gallery were wearing red hats that said: “Trump, The Peace President.” At least one person on the parliament’s floor wore such a hat.

Trump spoke briefly to the Israel press before beginning his remarks to the Knesset. Asked if Israeli’s war with Hamas was officially over, he said simply, “Yes.”

The president made similar comments on Air Force One as he was flying to Israel — despite the ceasefire deal still being in the early stages and potentially precarious.

Final preparations underway in Egypt for gathering of world leaders

Final preparations are underway in Egypt’s Red Sea resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh for a gathering of world leaders to show their support for efforts to end the two-year Gaza war.

Trump and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi are co-chairing the “summit for peace” on Monday. They will be joined by several world leaders who are throwing their weight behind the ceasefire agreement.

The summit will give international backing to negotiations on complex issues ahead: disarming Hamas, a postwar government in Gaza, Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and a bill for reconstruction.

Trump signs Knesset guestbook with a flourish

The president was welcomed at the Israeli parliament by its speaker, Amir Ohana, who said, “Welcome to Jerusalem. Welcome to the Knesset. We’ve been longing for this day.”

“It’s a great honor,” Trump responded. He then sat at a desk to sign the guestbook with a marker.

The president spent several seconds scribbling, then held up what he wrote. It read: “This is my great honor. A great and beautiful day. A new beginning,” over his scrawled signature.

Trump envoy says he’s thinking of his deceased son as hostages are released

Steve Witkoff, the Trump administration special envoy who played a key role in brokering the ceasefire agreement, says he’s thinking of his adult son, Andrew, who died of an opioid overdose in 2011.

“It’s deeply gratifying to know that so many families will finally have their loved ones home,” Witkoff posted on X of the hostages being released.

“Today, 20 families are spared the unbearable pain of not knowing if they will ever see their loved ones again.”

He added that “even in this moment of relief and happiness, my heart aches for those whose loved ones will not return alive. Bringing their bodies home is a must and an act of dignity and honors their memory forever. I can’t help but feel the presence of my son Andrew at this moment.”