Hernandez, Petersen, Biggs React to Trump’s Triumphant Peace Deal

After 738 days in captivity, Hamas released the final 20 living Israeli hostages on Monday, October 13, 2025, under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement. The deal and the hostage return triggered scenes of celebration and relief across Israel. The hostage release was part of a peace plan mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration, in which Israel agreed to free nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in return.

Across social media, videos and photos flooded the internet showing families reunited — hugging, weeping, and celebrating as survivors arrived home. Many underwent medical evaluations immediately after their return. On the other side, scenes of jubilation also unfolded in Gaza and the West Bank as freed Palestinian prisoners were welcomed by cheering crowds.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the day “one of indescribable joy,” while President Trump declared in Israel’s parliament that “the Holy Land is finally at peace.” As expected, the world is reacting to President Trump’s role in securing the deal.

Welcome back home! 🇮🇱🎗️ pic.twitter.com/2TZbmpArMq

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 13, 2025

Arizona legislators also weighed in on the historic moment.

Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen posted, “Peace in the Middle East. Thank you, @realDonaldTrump, the peacemaker.”

Peace in the Middle East. Thank you, @realDonaldTrump, the peacemaker.

— Warren Petersen (@votewarren) October 13, 2025

Congressman Andy Biggs said, “This incredible day is happening because of President Trump’s strength and determination to bring peace to the region.”

However, perhaps the most moving comments came from Rep. Alma Hernandez, who shared a deeply emotional response: “It’s been 5 hours since I was watching the reunions in Israel and fell asleep, and yes, I woke up and I’m still crying, I know I’m not the only one.” She added, “While we are all overjoyed and celebrating the return of the 20 hostages, let’s not forget those families who anxiously waited for over two years to find out this morning that their loved one was not returning alive… I can’t imagine the feeling of great heartbreak & sorrow those families are feeling right now. They held on to every ounce of hope… my heart goes out to them, and I pray that they will overcome this tragedy.”

All I can think of right now is Izik the father of the two Argentinian Jewish men who were taken hostage from their Kibbutz on October 7th. We met with Izik and heard his cries he didnt know if his sons were alive or dead. He told us in Spanish how exhausted he was and how much… pic.twitter.com/wbir16Qm8x

— (((Rep.Alma Hernandez))) (@almaforarizona) October 13, 2025

Scenes of joy, relief, and mourning swept through Israel and Palestine alike as the world watched the culmination of one of the most protracted and most complex hostage crises in modern history.