Historic Gaza Peace Deal First Phase Achieved: Trump’s Israel Visit Post-Truce. US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Israel this week following the historic ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. In an interview with Axios, Trump revealed that he may address Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, during the visit.
“I am expected to arrive in Israel in the coming days. They want me to speak in the Knesset, and I will certainly do so if they want it,” Trump said. According to Israeli media outlet Ynet, the US president is expected to land on Sunday.
Trump called the Gaza peace deal “a great day for the world,” emphasizing the international cooperation that made it possible. “The whole world has come together on this one, Israel, every country has come together. This has been a fantastic day,” he said. “This is a wonderful day, a wonderful day for everybody.”
Gaza Peace Deal First Phase Achieved: Trump’s Israel Visit Post-Truce
Trump’s First Visit Since Returning to the White House
This will mark Trump’s first trip to Israel since resuming the presidency. His last visit was in 2016, prior to the US officially recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. In 2017, Trump ordered the relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a move that had significant geopolitical implications.
His upcoming visit comes at a critical time, as Israel and Hamas move forward with the first phase of a ceasefire deal brokered with US and Qatari involvement.
Gaza Peace Deal Reached
On Wednesday, Israel and Hamas agreed to the initial phase of the Gaza ceasefire, bringing a temporary pause to the two-year conflict. Trump announced the agreement via Truth Social, calling it a pivotal moment.
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly!”
The deal includes the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners and sets the stage for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Key Details of the Gaza Agreement
- Hamas will exchange 20 living hostages for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
- Israel will conduct a partial withdrawal of troops to a mutually agreed line.
- Humanitarian aid will flow into Gaza on a large scale.
- The deal represents the first phase of a broader 20-point peace plan initiated by Trump.
Qatar, a key mediator, confirmed the agreement as a step toward ending the war and facilitating the safe entry of aid into Gaza.
Warm Relations Between Trump and Netanyahu
Following the announcement, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a “warm and emotional” phone call. Both leaders congratulated each other on the deal, which was described as a landmark achievement.
Netanyahu thanked Trump for his “efforts and global leadership,” while Trump praised Netanyahu for his “determined leadership and the actions he led” in securing the agreement.
The Israeli prime minister extended an invitation to Trump to address the Knesset, which the president accepted, saying he would do so if “they want me to.”
Trump’s Role in Middle East Diplomacy
Ending the Gaza war was one of Trump’s key campaign promises. The ceasefire marks the most significant diplomatic achievement of his second term. Trump emphasized that countries previously considered adversaries had united to achieve this breakthrough.
“He is so happy. He should be. It is a great achievement. The whole world has come together to reach this deal, including countries that were enemies,” Trump told Axios.
Hostages’ Release and Palestinian Prisoners
The agreement sets a timeline for the release of all remaining Israeli hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. The swap will include approximately 250 prisoners serving life sentences and nearly 1,700 others detained since the war began in October 2023.
This historic exchange is expected to take place within 72 hours of the agreement’s implementation. Trump expressed confidence that all hostages would “be coming back on Monday” and that the US would help rebuild Gaza.
“We’ll be involved in helping them make it successful, and helping it stay peaceful,” he said.
Humanitarian Aid and Gaza Reconstruction
The Gaza ceasefire deal also ensures that vital humanitarian aid reaches the war-torn region. The United States, alongside Qatar and other allies, will play a key role in the reconstruction of Gaza.
Trump emphasized that the goal is a stable and peaceful Gaza, highlighting the US commitment to post-conflict recovery.
Trump’s Likely Address to the Knesset
Trump’s visit will likely coincide with the release of hostages and the partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. During his visit, he may address the Knesset to reinforce the message of peace and international cooperation.
Netanyahu’s invitation underscores the importance Israel places on Trump’s involvement in the diplomatic process.
Key Issues Pending
While the first phase focuses on hostages, prisoners, and troop withdrawals, critical issues remain:
- Disarmament of Hamas
- Gaza’s future governance structure
- Long-term enforcement of the ceasefire
The successful resolution of these points will determine whether the initial agreement can evolve into lasting peace.
Trump’s Diplomacy and Global Impact
Trump’s intervention in the Gaza conflict demonstrates the US’s continuing influence in Middle East diplomacy. By bringing together adversaries and facilitating humanitarian aid, Trump is positioning himself as a key peacemaker in the region.
The deal has also generated momentum for future negotiations, including broader Middle East peace talks.
International Cooperation
The Gaza truce is a product of unprecedented international cooperation. Countries including Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Pakistan, and other Muslim-majority nations played pivotal roles in supporting the ceasefire.
Trump’s mediation reflects a multilateral approach that balances diplomacy, security concerns, and humanitarian needs.
Netanyahu Faces Parliamentary Test
Before the deal can be fully implemented, Israeli law requires government approval for the release of Palestinian prisoners. The cabinet must vote in favor, and any petitions to Israel’s High Court of Justice must be resolved.
Netanyahu’s leadership will be closely watched as the government navigates these legal hurdles while ensuring the hostages are safely returned.
First Phase of Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan
Trump’s Gaza peace plan includes several stages aimed at establishing a durable and lasting peace:
- Hostage release
- Partial Israeli troop withdrawal
- Palestinian prisoner exchanges
- Humanitarian aid distribution
- Future negotiations on Gaza governance and disarmament
The first phase is crucial, as it sets the precedent for further progress in resolving the conflict.
Also Read: What is the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza ceasefire that Israel, Hamas agreed to?
Trump’s Statements on Peace and Diplomacy
Trump has repeatedly emphasized the importance of ending the Gaza war and rebuilding the region. He expressed optimism about peace in the Middle East and reaffirmed the US’s role in supporting reconstruction and stability.
“It’s a great day for Israel and for the world,” Trump said.
“We’ll be involved in helping them make it successful, and helping it stay peaceful.”
His comments reflect both a commitment to diplomacy and a desire to showcase the US as a stabilizing force in the region.
Broader Implications
The Gaza ceasefire marks a significant shift in Middle East geopolitics. The agreement not only halts ongoing hostilities but also sets a framework for future peace talks.
Trump’s visit to Israel will further solidify his role in regional diplomacy and may provide an opportunity to reinforce international support for long-term solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Trump’s Visit: US President Donald Trump is likely to visit Israel this week to address the Knesset.
- Historic Ceasefire: Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a Gaza peace deal, including hostages’ release.
- Hostage Exchange: 20 Israeli hostages will be exchanged for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
- Troop Withdrawal: Israel will partially withdraw forces to a mutually agreed line.
- Humanitarian Aid: Large-scale aid will flow into Gaza to help rebuild the war-torn region.
- Pending Issues: Hamas disarmament and Gaza’s future governance remain unresolved.
- Global Diplomacy: The ceasefire reflects international cooperation, with countries previously considered adversaries contributing to the deal.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s anticipated visit to Israel following the Gaza ceasefire represents a critical moment in Middle East diplomacy. The agreement marks the first phase of a broader peace initiative aimed at ending hostilities, releasing hostages, and facilitating humanitarian aid.
While significant challenges remain, including Gaza’s governance and Hamas’ disarmament, the deal highlights Trump’s continuing influence in regional diplomacy and the potential for lasting peace.
With the world watching, Trump’s Knesset address may serve as both a diplomatic milestone and a demonstration of international collaboration in pursuit of peace.
Also Read: Trump Orders Israel to Halt Gaza Bombing After Hamas Move
