Trump Arrives in Egypt for Critical Gaza Summit/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump arrived in Egypt for a global summit focused on Gaza’s future after promoting peace efforts during his earlier visit to Israel. He urged Israeli leaders to capitalize on recent military gains by pursuing diplomacy. Despite ongoing tensions, Trump aims to reshape regional dynamics through a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and international cooperation.
Middle East Peace Push: Quick Looks
- Trump arrives in Egypt for Gaza peace summit with global leaders
- Urged Israel to pursue peace after “victory” over Hamas
- Netanyahu declined summit invitation due to Jewish holiday
- Trump pledged Gaza rebuilding support and urged Palestinian shift from violence
- Twenty hostages released as part of ceasefire implementation
- Trump calls on Israel to pardon Netanyahu during Knesset speech
- First ceasefire phase includes prisoner swaps and military pullback
- Trump says peace possible as region “tired of war”
- U.S. to deploy 200 troops to monitor ceasefire enforcement
- Gaza remains devastated with millions in urgent need of aid
Trump Arrives in Egypt for Critical Gaza Summit
Deep Look
SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt — President Donald Trump landed in Egypt on Monday to co-host a global summit aimed at determining Gaza’s postwar future. His visit follows a high-profile stop in Israel where he hailed a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hamas and encouraged Israeli lawmakers to pivot from conflict to diplomacy.
The summit, taking place in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, is co-hosted by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and includes representatives from more than two dozen countries. The central goal: advance dialogue, rebuild Gaza, and establish long-term peace across the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though invited, opted not to attend, citing the proximity of the Jewish holiday Simchat Torah.
Trump: “You’ve Won. Now Choose Peace.”
Earlier in the day, Trump addressed the Israeli Knesset, where he was received with multiple standing ovations and chants of his name. In his remarks, he acknowledged Israel’s military success but emphasized the urgency of transitioning from warfare to diplomacy.
“Now it is time to translate these victories into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East,” Trump said.
He pledged U.S. support for Gaza’s reconstruction, stressing the importance of humanitarian efforts, and urged Palestinians to abandon violence.
“Now is the time to concentrate on building their people up instead of trying to tear Israel down,” he said.
In a notable gesture, Trump extended a diplomatic hand to Iran — despite recent military confrontations — signaling a broader hope for regional cooperation.
From Israel to Egypt: A Whirlwind Diplomatic Tour
Trump arrived late to Egypt due to extended speeches at the Knesset. Still, he maintained his trademark humor.
“They might not be there by the time I get there, but we’ll give it a shot,” he quipped.
During his visit to Israel, Trump met with families of hostages released as part of the ceasefire deal. One woman tearfully told him, “Your name will be remembered to generations.”
The atmosphere at the Knesset was celebratory, with some attendees wearing red hats emblazoned with the phrase “Trump, The Peace President.” In his speech, Trump not only reaffirmed support for Israel but also made headlines by urging the Israeli president to pardon Netanyahu, whom he called “one of the greatest” wartime leaders.
A Fragile Ceasefire: Can It Hold?
Trump’s ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is in its initial phase, which includes:
- The release of remaining hostages held by Hamas
- The release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails
- A substantial influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza
- A partial pullback of Israeli forces from major Gazan cities
While the deal marks progress, the region remains unstable. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that the key to success lies in fatigue with conflict.
“The war is over, OK? People are tired of it.”
The Republican leader credits his administration’s backing of Israeli operations against Iranian proxies — including Hamas and Hezbollah — for setting the stage for diplomacy. The White House also believes growing cooperation from Arab and Muslim nations could help resolve the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Gaza: From “Demolition Site” to Redevelopment?
In February, Trump had painted a hopeful future, suggesting Gaza could be rebuilt into “the Riviera of the Middle East.” However, on Sunday, he offered a more somber assessment.
“It’s blasted. This is like a demolition site,” he said. “But I’d like to put my feet on it, at least.”
Gaza’s infrastructure remains in ruins, and its 2 million residents are grappling with extreme conditions, including widespread famine and lack of essential supplies. As part of the agreement, Israel has agreed to reopen five border crossings, which will significantly ease the flow of aid into the territory.
The summit in Egypt is expected to address unresolved issues such as:
- Gaza’s future governance
- Reconstruction strategy and funding
- Security guarantees and Israel’s demand that Hamas disarm
Israel has warned that it may resume military operations if its security conditions are not met. Thus, while diplomacy is gaining momentum, the situation remains delicate.
U.S. Commitment: Troops and Monitoring
To support the ceasefire, approximately 200 U.S. troops will be deployed to assist in monitoring compliance alongside international partners, NGOs, and private sector contributors. The operation is intended to prevent violations and ensure the steady delivery of humanitarian assistance.
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