US President Donald Trump received a grand reception at Ben-Gurion International Airport on Monday, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, along with their spouses Sara Netanyahu and Michal Herzog, welcomed him.
The visit marks Trump’s first trip to Israel since he brokered the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, ending nearly two years of violent conflict in Gaza.
Before arriving, Trump confidently declared the end of the war. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he said, “The war is over. You understand that.”
He described the trip as a ‘special time’, noting the unprecedented celebrations across Israel and in several Arab nations.
“Everybody’s cheering at one time… that’s never happened before,” he said, expressing optimism about the peace process and the unity it has inspired.
Hostage Release and Ceasefire Implementation
Trump’s visit coincided with Hamas beginning to release hostages under the terms of the peace agreement.
The group was expected to free the remaining 20 captives and hand over the bodies of around 20 who died in custody. In previous phases, Hamas had exchanged hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
The truce follows Trump’s 20-point peace plan, mediated with the assistance of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, and supported by Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The agreement, hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough, has brought relief to both Israelis and Palestinians after years of bloodshed.
After addressing the Israeli Knesset, Trump will travel to Egypt to attend a major international summit on the Gaza peace process.
The event, co-chaired by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, will bring together key global leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and leaders from Qatar and the UAE.
Israel has yet to confirm its level of participation in the summit, which marks a major step toward regional reconciliation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an invitation but chose to send Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh as India’s representative.
A New Chapter for the Middle East
Trump expressed strong confidence in the success of the ceasefire and the forthcoming stages of the peace plan, citing the celebrations across both Israeli and Arab communities.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty also voiced optimism that the peace would hold.
The next phase of the plan requires Hamas to fully lay down its arms, a move that could mark a historic turning point for stability in the region.
As Trump’s visit continues, global attention remains fixed on whether this fragile peace can usher in lasting harmony in the Middle East.
Also Read: Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh Represents India At The Gaza Peace Summit In Sharm El-Sheikh
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