President Donald Trump arrived in Egypt to co-host a global summit focused on Gaza’s future after promoting a U.S.-brokered ceasefire during his visit to Israel. He urged both Israelis and Palestinians to embrace peace and reconstruction after years of conflict. Despite progress, major issues like disarmament and governance remain unresolved.
Trump’s Middle East Peace Drive: Quick Looks
- Trump arrives in Egypt to lead Gaza peace summit
- Urges Israel to seize chance for peace after military success
- Israeli PM Netanyahu declines summit invitation due to Jewish holiday
- Trump praised in Israel, calls for Netanyahu’s pardon
- 20 Israeli hostages released as part of ceasefire agreement
- Israel frees hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange
- Gaza still devastated, facing famine and humanitarian crisis
- Trump offers U.S. help in rebuilding Gaza
- Summit includes leaders from over two dozen nations
- 200 U.S. troops to help monitor ceasefire compliance
Deep Look
SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt — President Donald Trump arrived in Egypt on Monday to lead an international summit focused on Gaza’s future, following a high-profile visit to Israel where he celebrated a fragile but historic U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Speaking alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, Trump expressed optimism for long-awaited regional peace.
“Everybody said it’s not possible to do. And it’s going to happen. And it is happening before your very eyes,” he said.
The Gaza Peace Summit, co-hosted by Egypt and the United States, brings together leaders from more than 20 nations to support a roadmap toward ending two years of deadly conflict. Though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was invited, he declined to attend, citing the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.
Trump’s Knesset Visit: From Applause to Pardons
Earlier in the day, Trump addressed the Israeli Knesset, where he was hailed with multiple standing ovations. In a speech heavy with symbolism and direct appeals, he told Israeli lawmakers:
“You’ve won. Now it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East.”
Trump also called for the pardon of Netanyahu, describing him as “one of the greatest wartime leaders,” despite the prime minister’s ongoing corruption charges.
Wearing hats that read “Trump, The Peace President,” some attendees signaled their support for his efforts to reshape the region. Netanyahu, speaking after Trump, declared:
“Mr. President, you are committed to this peace. I am committed to this peace. Together, we will achieve this peace.”
Trump used his visit to thank allies, criticize past Democratic administrations, and publicly praise Republican donor Miriam Adelson, who was in attendance.
Ceasefire Begins: Hostage and Prisoner Exchange
The trip coincides with the implementation of phase one of the ceasefire agreement brokered by the Trump administration. On Monday:
- 20 Israeli hostages were released by Hamas
- Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners were freed by Israel
- Aid shipments began scaling up to meet humanitarian needs in Gaza
Trump met with families of released hostages, one of whom told him, “Your name will be remembered to generations.”
The ceasefire, reached after two years of conflict that began on October 7, 2023, has created the first real window for diplomacy since the war’s outbreak.
Summit of Peace: What’s on the Table
Sharm el-Sheikh, often referred to as the “City of Peace”, was chosen for its historical significance as a venue for Middle East diplomacy. Trump and el-Sissi are leading discussions on:
- Postwar governance of Gaza
- Long-term reconstruction strategy
- Israeli demands for Hamas disarmament
- Security guarantees and aid delivery
- Regional normalization efforts with Arab states
Though Trump once imagined Gaza becoming the “Riviera of the Middle East,” his recent remarks struck a more sober tone.
“I don’t know about the Riviera for a while,” he said aboard Air Force One. “It’s blasted. This is like a demolition site.”
Still, he added, “I’d like to put my feet on it, at least.”
Fragile Progress, Daunting Obstacles
Despite celebratory moments, the ceasefire’s long-term survival remains uncertain. Israel demands Hamas disarm, while Hamas insists on full Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza. The two sides remain locked on critical questions surrounding who will govern the strip and how reconstruction will proceed.
Gaza’s infrastructure lies in ruins, with over 2 million residents displaced and famine gripping parts of the territory, according to aid groups. Under the current deal:
- Five border crossings will reopen for aid
- 600 aid trucks per day are expected soon
- 200 U.S. troops will join an international mission to monitor the truce
The White House says momentum is growing as Arab and Muslim-majority nations re-engage with the peace process and explore normalized relations with Israel.
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