President Donald Trump arrived in Israel on Monday to celebrate a major ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas. This historic visit aims to end the Gaza war that started in 2023 and build lasting peace in the Middle East.
Trump’s Arrival and Key Meetings
Trump touched down at Ben Gurion Airport early Monday, greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders shook hands amid cheers from crowds waving American and Israeli flags.
Later that morning, Trump met with families of hostages held by Hamas. These emotional gatherings highlighted the human cost of the conflict. Trump promised full support for their loved ones’ safe return.
He then addressed the Israeli Knesset at 11 a.m. local time. In his speech, Trump praised the deal as a turning point for the region. Lawmakers from various parties applauded his words on unity and security.
Trump’s team, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and advisors Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, joined events in Tel Aviv over the weekend. They rallied with over 100,000 people at Hostage Square, sharing messages of hope.
Details of the 20-Point Peace Plan
The plan, unveiled two weeks ago at the White House, focuses on immediate steps to stop fighting and rebuild Gaza. It includes releasing all remaining hostages within days, with Hamas agreeing to free them starting Monday.
Key elements aim to disarm Hamas and create a demilitarized zone in Gaza. International aid will flow in to help reconstruction, backed by Arab states like Saudi Arabia.
The agreement calls for a technocratic Palestinian committee to oversee Gaza’s governance. This shifts control away from Hamas and the Palestinian Authority for now.
Experts say the plan could lead to a two-state solution if all sides commit. Trump described it as a way to make everybody happy by uniting leaders from powerful nations.
Here are the main phases of the plan:
- Phase 1: Hostage releases and ceasefire within 72 hours.
- Phase 2: IDF withdrawal and demilitarization of Gaza.
- Phase 3: International oversight and aid for rebuilding.
- Phase 4: Talks on long-term peace, including potential Arab state involvement.
Journey to Egypt and Regional Summit
After Israel, Trump flies to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt for a peace ceremony. Leaders from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and other nations will attend this summit.
The event formalizes the deal’s first phase. Trump plans to urge allies to invest in Gaza’s future, turning it into a stable area.
Egyptian officials have mediated talks alongside the U.S. and Qatar. Their role helped bridge gaps between Israel and Hamas.
This visit marks Trump’s first Middle East trip since taking office again. It builds on his past Abraham Accords, which normalized ties between Israel and several Arab countries.
Security remains tight due to ongoing tensions. Protests in some areas show mixed feelings about the plan’s details.
Reactions from Leaders and Public
Netanyahu called the deal a victory for Israel, warning that rejection by Hamas would lead to stronger action. He thanked Trump for pushing the agreement forward.
Hamas leaders have signaled acceptance but demand guarantees on ending the war fully. They rejected foreign control over Gaza in recent statements.
Arab leaders praised the ceasefire. Saudi officials hinted at joining expanded accords if peace holds.
Public sentiment varies. In Israel, polls show strong support for hostage returns, with 75 percent backing the plan per recent surveys.
In Gaza, residents hope for an end to airstrikes and hunger. The conflict has claimed over 56,000 lives, making this deal a potential lifeline.
| Event | Date | Location | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Plan Unveiled | September 29, 2025 | White House | 20-point framework announced |
| Hostage Release Start | October 13, 2025 | Gaza Border | All hostages freed in phases |
| Knesset Address | October 13, 2025 | Jerusalem | Trump speaks on unity |
| Egypt Summit | October 13, 2025 | Sharm el-Sheikh | Leaders sign ceasefire deal |
| Potential Arab Accords Expansion | Late 2025 | Regional | Saudi and Syria may join |
Impact on Middle East Peace
This deal could reshape the region. It ends a two-year war that displaced millions and strained global ties.
Trump’s involvement draws from his first term’s successes. He aims to broker more agreements, possibly including Iran if they drop nuclear ambitions.
Challenges remain, like enforcing demilitarization. Analysts predict hurdles but see real chances for progress.
The world watches closely. If successful, it might inspire solutions to other conflicts.
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