Trump Declares The War In Gaza Over As He Heads To The Middle East

US President Donald Trump has declared that “the war is over in Gaza” as he embarks on a high-stakes visit to the Middle East, where he will meet Israeli and Egyptian leaders to push forward his 20-point peace plan.

A “Very Special” Visit

Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump described the trip as a “very special” moment in global diplomacy. When asked if he believed the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas would hold, the 79-year-old leader brushed off doubts with trademark confidence.

“I think it’s going to hold. People are tired of it. It’s been centuries,” he told reporters, referencing the long and painful history of conflict in the region.

The visit marks Trump’s return to the world stage as a self-styled dealmaker. His administration has claimed credit for brokering the ceasefire and hostage-release agreement between Israel and Hamas, which followed years of devastating warfare in Gaza.

Meeting Hostage Families And World Leaders

Trump’s first stop will be Jerusalem, where he is expected to meet the families of Israeli hostages taken during Hamas’s October 2023 cross-border attack. He will then address the Israeli parliament before traveling to Egypt.

In Cairo, he will join Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to co-host a summit of more than 20 world leaders. The gathering aims to formally endorse Trump’s peace roadmap, which envisions a new governing structure for Gaza and a wider framework for long-term Middle East stability.

“Everybody’s very excited about this moment in time,” Trump said before boarding his flight from Joint Base Andrews near Washington. “This is a very special event.”

Guarantees And Global Uncertainty

Despite his optimism, major uncertainties remain. Hamas has not agreed to disarm, and Israel has yet to commit to a full military withdrawal from Gaza.

Trump, however, insists he has received assurances from both sides. “We have a lot of verbal guarantees, and I don’t think they’re going to want to disappoint me,” he said, hinting that his personal influence remains a key part of the deal’s success.

He also emphasized his “very good” relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noting that any past disputes between them were “quickly settled.”

“I’d Like To Put My Feet On It”

When asked whether he plans to visit Gaza itself, Trump said he would “be proud to,” though he did not indicate when that might be feasible given the volatile security situation.

“I’d like to put my feet on it at least,” he remarked.

Under his peace plan, a new administrative body for Gaza would be established “very quickly,” with Trump playing a central role in overseeing its development. However, he appeared to backtrack slightly on earlier suggestions that former British prime minister Tony Blair might be involved in the process.

“I’ve always liked Tony,” Trump said, “but I want to find out that he’s an acceptable choice to everybody.”

A Pivotal Moment For The Region

Trump’s declaration that “the war is over” may be more aspirational than absolute, but it signals a dramatic attempt to reshape the post-war landscape of Gaza. As he touches down in the Middle East, the world will be watching to see whether his peace initiative can turn fragile ceasefire promises into lasting stability.

{Source:EWN}

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