Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greeted former U.S. President Donald Trump on the tarmac as a military band played. In Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, the site of continuous demonstrations during two years of war, the crowd cheered for Trump, marking a moment filled with cautious optimism.
The situation remains fragile, with Israel and Hamas still in the early stages of implementing the first phase of a plan aimed at ending the conflict that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched attacks. This initial phase of the ceasefire agreement includes several key components: the release of the final 48 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.
Families are overjoyed at the prospect of reunions, and Palestinians are hopeful for increased humanitarian assistance. Trump believes there is a narrow window to reshape the region and reset the long-frayed 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 added, emphasizing his confidence that the ceasefire would hold because of this fatigue.
The former Republican president credited his administration’s support of Israel’s military actions against Iranian proxies—including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon—as enabling the chance for peace.
The White House noted that momentum is also building due to Arab and Muslim states demonstrating renewed focus on resolving the broader, decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In some cases, these countries are deepening their relations with the United States.
Earlier this year, in February, Trump predicted that Gaza could be redeveloped into what he called “the Riviera of the Middle East.” However, aboard Air Force One on Sunday, his tone was more cautious. “I haven’t known about the Riviera for a while,” Trump said. “It’s blasted. This is like a demolition site.” Yet, he expressed hope to one day visit the territory. “I’d like to put my feet on it, at least,” he added.
During his visit, Trump will first go to Israel to meet with hostages’ families and address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament—an honor last extended to President George W. Bush in 2008.
Following Israel, Trump is scheduled to stop in Egypt, where he and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi will lead a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. This gathering will include leaders from more than 20 countries to discuss peace in Gaza and the wider Middle East.
Both Israel and Egypt have announced that they will award Trump their countries’ highest civilian honors in recognition of his efforts.
Despite these hopeful developments, the truce remains tentative. It is still unclear whether the parties have reached agreements on Gaza’s postwar governance, the reconstruction of the territory, and Israel’s demand that Hamas disarm. Negotiations on these critical issues could still 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 endure desperate conditions. As part of the ceasefire deal, Israel agreed to reopen five border crossings to help ease the flow of food and other supplies into Gaza, where parts are experiencing famine.
To support and monitor the ceasefire, approximately 200 U.S. troops will be deployed as part of a team that includes partner nations, nongovernmental organizations, and private-sector players.
The path forward remains uncertain, but the recent developments offer a glimmer of hope for lasting peace in a region long marked by conflict.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/trump-arrives-in-israel-to-tout-ceasefire-he-believes-could-foster-lasting-middle-east-peace-23598482
