AIR FORCE ONE— President Donald Trump departed for the Middle East this weekend, celebrating a major diplomatic victory with a confident declaration that “all sides are cheering” as he heads to Israel to preside over the long-awaited release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza.
The President’s dramatic trip follows the activation of the first phase of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which calls for the release of all remaining captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a significant Israeli troop pullback.
Speaking to reporters just before boarding Air Force One, the President was ebullient, framing the breakthrough as a fulfillment of a key campaign promise.
“We ended the war in Gaza, something people said could never be done,” Trump said. “The hostages will be coming back Monday or Tuesday, and I’ll probably be there. Everybody’s celebrating. Everybody loves the deal, so it’s a great honor to have been working on it.”
The Hostage Countdown
The trip is meticulously timed to coincide with the conclusion of the 72-hour period for Hamas to release the hostages. Israeli forces have already completed a partial withdrawal to an “agreed-upon line” inside Gaza, triggering the final countdown. Approximately 20 hostages are believed to be alive, with Hamas also set to return the remains of over two dozen deceased captives.
The successful exchange—which requires Israel to release roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners—is viewed as the most tangible sign of progress in the bloody two-year conflict and the biggest diplomatic achievement of Trump’s second term.
Sources indicate the President will first visit Israel, where he has been invited to address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, a rare honor that underscores the political significance of the agreement.
From Israel to the Summit
Following the hostage events, the President will travel to Egypt to host a high-level summit in Sharm el-Sheikh with leaders from over 20 countries, including key Arab and Muslim nations. This gathering is intended to cement the fragile truce and launch the massive international effort to rebuild war-torn Gaza.
While the first phase secures a ceasefire and hostage release, the thornier issues of a permanent political solution, the disarmament of Hamas, and the future governance of Gaza are slated for the next round of negotiations. Trump’s proposal calls for a transitional “Board of Peace” to oversee the territory, indicating a U.S.-led effort to stabilize the region.
The President’s claim that “all sides are cheering,” however, overlooks the deeply entrenched skepticism that remains. In Gaza, while residents returned to devastated homes, many expressed fear and lack of trust that the truce would hold, leading to chaotic scenes of scrambling for aid. On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained a tough line, vowing that the “sword is still on [Hamas’s] neck” and that the demilitarization of the militant group will continue after the hostages are safely home.
Despite the persistent tensions, the President is determined to capitalize on the moment, presenting the diplomatic success as a validation of his “America First” strategy and a platform to build on the framework of the Abraham Accords with nations like Saudi Arabia. The outcome of his high-stakes trip will determine whether a historic breakthrough will translate into a durable peace.