The American president departs Sunday for Israel and Egypt to commemorate a groundbreaking ceasefire agreement while pressing Middle Eastern allies to capitalize on rare opportunities for lasting peace. Trump views this as a fleeting chance to transform regional dynamics and repair fractured Israeli-Arab relationships spanning decades.
This critical juncture sees Israel and Hamas carefully implementing initial stages of the Trump administration’s comprehensive peace plan intended to permanently end the October 2023 conflict. Trump attributes this diplomatic opening to unwavering American support enabling Israel to decisively weaken Iranian-backed militant networks including Hamas and Hezbollah.
Administration sources report building momentum as Arab and Muslim states refocus on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian dispute while strengthening American partnerships. Trump expressed optimism about Gaza’s future, noting that regional economic powers could easily finance reconstruction using a fraction of their wealth.
The agreement’s opening phase mandates releasing Hamas-held hostages, freeing Israeli-detained Palestinians, increasing humanitarian aid flows, and partially withdrawing Israeli military forces. Following Friday’s Israeli pullback, a 72-hour countdown began for hostage releases that Trump expects Monday or Tuesday, potentially during his regional visit.
Presidential plans include a Knesset address, the first since 2008, followed by an Egyptian summit with over 20 national leaders discussing Gaza and regional peace. However, unresolved issues regarding postwar governance, reconstruction planning, and Hamas disarmament could undermine progress, with Israel hinting at resumed military operations if demands aren’t met.
