Trump Says He May Visit Egypt Soon as Gaza Deal Nears/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump says a Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal is “very close” and may soon travel to Egypt to support the final stages. Negotiations led by U.S. officials and regional partners are ongoing in Cairo. Trump hinted he might announce the deal on Truth Social once finalized.
Trump Gaza Deal Talks Quick Looks
- Trump says Gaza deal “very close” during White House event
- Indicates possible trip to Egypt this weekend for negotiations
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio handed Trump a note on talks
- U.S. negotiators, including Jared Kushner, meeting in Cairo
- Deal includes exchange of hostages and ceasefire terms
- Trump may announce agreement via Truth Social
- Israel’s foreign minister calls it a “crucial national moment”
- Israeli and Hamas sides have exchanged prisoner lists
- Trump says he’ll act “before or after” hostages are released
Deep Look: Trump Eyes Egypt Visit as Gaza Hostage Deal Nears Completion
In a significant development amid efforts to broker peace in the Middle East, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that a Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal is “very close.” He said he may travel to Egypt as soon as this weekend to oversee the final stages of the agreement.
Speaking during a roundtable event at the White House, Trump shared the update shortly after Secretary of State Marco Rubio handed him a handwritten note. Reading from the note, Trump said:
“I was just given a note by the Secretary of State saying that we’re very close to a deal in the Middle East, and they’re going to need me pretty quickly.”
Rubio’s note, photographed by the Associated Press, underlined the words “very close” and referenced the need for Trump to approve a Truth Social post to make the announcement himself once the deal is finalized.
Talks Centered in Egypt
U.S. negotiators, including Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Israel’s top representative Ron Dermer, are currently engaged in expanded negotiations in Cairo, according to Egyptian state media.
Egypt has been playing a central role in facilitating talks between Israel and Hamas, with discussions reportedly focused on a hostages-for-ceasefire agreement. A Hamas official confirmed that both sides have exchanged lists of hostages and prisoners that could be part of the deal.
During the White House event, Trump reiterated that he may fly to Egypt to help seal the deal, saying:
“We haven’t decided exactly. I’ll be going to Egypt. Most likely. That’s where everybody is gathered right now… I’ll be making the rounds as the expression goes.”
Trump added that he may travel either before or shortly after the hostages are released, depending on how quickly the deal comes together.
Rubio’s Involvement and White House Drama
Secretary Rubio was not initially in the room during the White House roundtable but quietly entered, took the seat previously held by Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and passed the note to Trump. The message quickly drew attention from press photographers and staff, including Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who was seen reading it moments later.
A Pivotal Moment in the Region
Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described the current diplomatic effort as a “crucial national moment.” Speaking during an event commemorating the Day of Georgian Jewry, Sa’ar emphasized the government’s commitment to returning both living hostages and the bodies of those who perished.
“With God’s help, may we have a happy holiday with good news,” Sa’ar told those gathered.
His comments reflect the high stakes surrounding the negotiations. The proposed deal not only includes a mutual ceasefire but also the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, according to multiple sources close to the discussions.
Trump’s Role in the Agreement
Trump has taken a central role in the ongoing negotiations, using a combination of personal diplomacy and strategic messaging. His administration’s special envoy team is reported to be coordinating closely with Egyptian mediators and other regional players.
Though the specific terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, the deal is expected to follow the outline of Trump’s original Gaza ceasefire proposal, which emphasized humanitarian corridors, prisoner exchanges, and security guarantees for both sides.
Trump hinted that once a final agreement is in place, he will likely make the announcement via Truth Social, reinforcing his strategy of direct communication with his base.
As talks in Egypt continue to intensify, and with Trump possibly en route to the region, all eyes are now on Cairo and Washington to see whether this high-stakes deal will mark a turning point in the Gaza conflict.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.