WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Sunday that the “war is over in Gaza” as he departed on a high-stakes peace mission to Israel and Egypt, marking what he described as a “very special” moment in efforts to bring stability to the region.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump, 79, dismissed scepticism about the recent ceasefire and hostage release deal brokered between Israel and Hamas, asserting that the conflict was effectively concluded.
“The war is over. Okay? You understand that?” Trump said when asked if he believed the hostilities had ended.
Asked whether the ceasefire would hold, he added:
“I think it’s going to hold. I think people are tired of it. It’s been centuries.”
High-Stakes Diplomatic Tour
Trump’s trip includes key stops in Jerusalem and Cairo, where he is expected to meet:
- Families of Israeli hostages captured during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 cross-border attack,
- Israeli lawmakers, where he will deliver an address to the Knesset, and
- President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt, with whom he will co-host a summit of more than 20 world leaders to support his 20-point Gaza peace plan, unveiled in late September.
Trump’s visit is being described as part diplomatic mission, part victory lap, after playing a central role in brokering the initial deal.
“Everybody’s very excited about this moment in time. This is a very special event,” Trump said before boarding his flight at Joint Base Andrews, braving the rain under an umbrella.
Accompanying him on the trip are top U.S. officials, including:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
- CIA Director John Ratcliffe
- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Gen. Dan Caine
Challenges Ahead
Despite the breakthrough, Trump acknowledged ongoing challenges in the peace process, notably Hamas’s refusal to disarm and Israel’s lack of a clear withdrawal plan from Gaza. Nevertheless, he claimed to have received “verbal guarantees” from all parties involved.
“We have a lot of verbal guarantees, and I don’t think they’re going to want to disappoint me,” he said.
Trump described his current relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “very good,” noting that past disputes were “quickly settled.”
A Controversial Peace Vision
Trump reiterated his interest in visiting Gaza, saying:
“I’d like to put my feet on it at least.”
As part of his plan, a new governing body for Gaza would be created “very quickly,” with Trump himself reportedly playing a central leadership role — a move certain to generate controversy.
He also walked back earlier comments about including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in the process, citing concerns over regional sensitivities due to Blair’s role in the 2003 Iraq War.
“I’ve always liked Tony, but I want to find out that he’s an acceptable choice to everybody,” Trump said.
