The BRICS TimesTrump shares hope for Gaza’s rebuilding and a lasting ceasefire as world leaders gather for post-conflict discussions.
US President’s Middle East Tour
US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he will travel to Cairo and Jerusalem following the agreement that ended airstrikes on Gaza and paved the way for Hamas to free hostages.
Trump said he would meet “a lot of leaders from all over the world” attending a ceremony in Cairo celebrating the truce between Israel and Hamas, according to Bloomberg.
Address to Israeli Parliament
He is also expected to address Israel’s Knesset to commemorate the ceasefire deal, which aims to conclude the two-year-long conflict in the region.
Trump expressed confidence that peace will last. “I think it will hold. They’re all tired of the fighting,” he said, adding that he believes Gaza can be rebuilt soon.
Ceasefire Negotiated Through Diplomacy
The truce was achieved through talks led by the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, following Trump’s recently unveiled 20-point peace plan.
He mentioned that his visit would be brief, as he must return to Washington by Tuesday to award slain activist Charlie Kirk the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Hostage and Prisoner Release Underway
Israel confirmed the ceasefire took effect Thursday, and Hamas is set to release about 20 hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack, along with the remains of more than two dozen others.
In return, Israel will free around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and resume humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Focus on Gaza’s Reconstruction
Talks about Gaza’s future governance and rebuilding efforts will continue. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Hamas, which is labeled a terrorist organization by the US and EU, must disarm and stay out of any governing role. The militant group has not agreed to this condition yet.
(With inputs from Bloomberg)
Akshay Didwaniya