Editorial 20.01.2025
‘Hostages released as ceasefire holds’ & ‘Trump inauguration today’
Monday’s front pages lead on the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel – as a prisoner-hostage swap deal takes place. Amongst the hostages released include a British-Israeli citizen who leads most of the paper’s images this morning.
Beyond the Middle East truce, the papers leave space to report on President-elect Donald Trump – who takes the oath of office today, Monday 20 January 2025. Several stories regarding the US president make the front pages, including reports about the prime minister racing to secure a deal with the new president.
Last night’s Premier League matches dominate the UK back pages – with Manchester United’s 3-2 loss to Brighton leading several after Man Utd boss Amorim labelled his squad the worst side in Manchester United’s 147-year history. Spurs also suffered a loss to Everton, putting pressure on boss Ange Postecoglou.
Hostages released as ceasefire holds
‘Condition of hostages uncertain and will be in hospital,’ says The Times.
The Times describes how British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari, alongside Doron Steinbrecher, 31, and Romi Gonen, 24, was handed over to Red Cross officials amidst a throng of television cameras. The paper says there is lingering uncertainty about the freed hostages’ health after their 15-month ordeal. Israeli health authorities have prepared for “all possibilities,” the paper says, noting that while the three appeared in relatively stable condition, they are scheduled to undergo at least four days of medical evaluation.
‘Emily shot in the had and dog killed in front of her,’ says the Metro.
The Metro leads with the headline “Home at last,” recounting the “chaotic scenes” surrounding the trio’s release. The paper says Emily “was shot in the hand, injured by shrapnel in her leg, and saw her dog Choocha killed before she was blindfolded and bundled into a car that took her to Gaza.”
‘Emily home and aid trucks begin to enter Gaza,’ reports The Guardian.
The Guardian reports Emily – the last remaining British hostage in Gaza – has arrived in Israel to be reunited with her family after 471 days in captivity. The paper also reports that hundreds of aid trucks queued to enter Gaza, bringing supplies to its 2.3 million residents as the ceasefire took effect. Simultaneously, Red Cross officials worked at Israel’s Ofer prison to oversee the release of Palestinian prisoners.
‘Emily’s defiant smile after 471 days in captivity,’ reports the Mail.
The Daily Mail quotes Emily’s mother, Mrs Damari, saying, “Thank you for bringing Emily home.” The paper notes Emily’s “defiant smile” upon being freed after 471 days in captivity.
‘Emily’s mum calls for all hostages to be released,’ notes the Mirror.
The Daily Mirror also features Emily’s reunion with her mother Mandy, quoting Mrs Damari’s call to action: “Every hostage must be released.”
‘After 15 months of hell, Emily is home at last,’ says the Express and The Sun.
The Daily Express highlights Emily’s release after enduring “15 months of hell,” while The Sun shares a similar sentiment with the headline, “Home at last.”
Trump inauguration
Separately, the papers turn to the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office today.
‘Trump played role in ceasefire negotiations,’ says the i.
The i highlights Trump’s claimed role in mediating the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The Daily Telegraph reports on Sir Keir Starmer’s efforts to secure a trade deal with Trump, with the prime minister assembling a “mini-cabinet” to strategise an agreement. The paper says having the “architect” of the Chagos Islands deal in the PM’s new “mini-cabinet” could complicate efforts to “woo the new US president.”
‘Trump’s swearing-in to be held indoors due to freezing weather,’ reports the Mail.
Trump’s swearing-in, held indoors in Washington’s Rotunda due to freezing weather, is described as “a ceremony like no other” by the Daily Mail.
‘Some Trump supporters disappointed after travelling to watch inauguration.’ says The Times.
The Times captures the disappointment of supporters who travelled to witness the inauguration in person, only to find themselves unable to access the National Mall, with some expressing regret over not watching the event on television instead.
‘World readies for Trump 2.0,’ says the i.
The Mirror opts for “Let the fireworks begin,” while the i headlines, “World readies for Trump 2.0.”