U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Israel on Monday to highlight the U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, declaring that the agreement had effectively ended the war and opened the door to lasting peace in the Middle East.
As Trump stepped off Air Force One, a convoy brought the first hostages released by Hamas into Israel under the agreement. Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed him on the tarmac while a military band played. In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, which has witnessed continuous demonstrations over the past two years of conflict, crowds cheered his arrival.
The ceasefire remains fragile, with both Israel and Hamas in the early stages of implementing the first phase of the plan aimed at ending the war that erupted on October 7, 2023. This phase calls for the release of the remaining 48 hostages held by Hamas, the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel, an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza’s main cities.
Trump said the ceasefire presents a narrow window to reshape the region and improve long-strained relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors. “The war is over, OK?” he told reporters aboard Air Force One. “I think people are tired of it,” he added, expressing confidence that the truce would hold.
The Republican president credited his administration’s support for Israel’s strikes on Iranian-backed groups, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as creating the conditions for peace. The White House also noted growing momentum as Arab and Muslim states increasingly focus on resolving the broader, decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while in some cases deepening ties with the United States.
Earlier this year, Trump had envisioned Gaza being redeveloped into what he called “the Riviera of the Middle East.” On Sunday, however, he acknowledged the scale of destruction. “I don’t know about the Riviera for a while,” he said. “It’s blasted. This is like a demolition site.” He expressed hope to visit Gaza one day.
During his visit, Trump will meet with the families of hostages and address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament—a privilege last given to President George W. Bush in 2008. He will then travel to Egypt, where he and President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi will host a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh with leaders from more than 20 countries to discuss peace in Gaza and the wider region. Both Israel and Egypt have announced that Trump will receive their highest civilian honors.
Despite the ceasefire, key issues remain unresolved, including Gaza’s postwar governance, reconstruction plans, and Israel’s demand for Hamas to disarm. Any breakdown in these negotiations could lead to renewed military operations.
Much of Gaza has been reduced to rubble, and its roughly 2 million residents continue to face severe humanitarian challenges. Under the agreement, Israel has agreed to reopen five border crossings to facilitate the flow of food and supplies into Gaza, where some areas are experiencing famine conditions.
Approximately 200 U.S. troops, along with partner nations, NGOs, and private-sector actors, will help monitor and support implementation of the ceasefire deal.
Source: AP