Trump Claims Gaza War Is Over as He Heads to Middle East

United States President Donald Trump declared the Gaza conflict “over” as he embarked on a diplomatic mission to the Middle East. His remarks came shortly before his departure on October 7, 2023, when he expressed optimism about a ceasefire holding in Gaza. This announcement coincides with preparations for the release of Israeli hostages, following more than two years of intense conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Trump’s first stop will be in Israel, where he is scheduled to address the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. Following this, he will travel to Egypt to co-host a peace summit with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. This summit aims to garner support for Trump’s proposed peace plan, which seeks to formally end the hostilities in Gaza.

Onboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters, “The war is over. Okay? You understand that?” He emphasized the significance of this trip, stating, “Everybody’s very excited about this moment in time. This is a very special event.” When asked about the likelihood of the ceasefire’s durability, he expressed confidence, saying, “I think [the ceasefire] is going to hold… I think people are tired.”

The situation surrounding the hostages remains delicate. Trump indicated uncertainty over whether he would be present during the anticipated release of the 20 Israeli hostages. “They have the hostages — I understand all 20 — and we may get them out a little bit early… They were in places that you don’t want to know about,” he noted.

Accompanying Trump on this pivotal journey are key figures from his administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and the top US military officer, Dan Caine. This high-profile delegation underscores the importance of the peace efforts underway.

In a related development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proclaimed victory as his nation anticipates the return of hostages after a protracted conflict. “Together we achieved tremendous victories, victories that amazed the whole world… But at the same time I must tell you, the fight is not over,” Netanyahu stated. He described the emotional weight of the moment, saying, “This is an emotional evening, an evening of tears, an evening of joy, because tomorrow our children will return to our borders,” referencing a biblical verse.

As part of the initial phase of the peace deal, Hamas is expected to release all Israeli hostages taken during the October 7 attack. In exchange, Israel will release approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held in its facilities, and humanitarian aid will be permitted into the Gaza Strip. While the early stages of the ceasefire agreement are taking shape, the specifics of subsequent phases remain uncertain.

This diplomatic initiative reflects a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, with world leaders poised to support efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace in the region.