MWE Correspondent
U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that “the war is over” as he arrived in Israel to witness the first phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The announcement came amid the ongoing release of hostages from Gaza and renewed optimism for peace after nearly two years of devastating conflict.
Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to Jerusalem, Trump told reporters he believed the truce would hold and announced plans to establish what he called a “Board of Peace” to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction. The president described the enclave as a “demolition site,” vowing to help rebuild it into what he called “a miracle for the future.”
The ceasefire, which took effect Friday, marks the first major breakthrough since the October 2023 Hamas attacks that ignited one of the bloodiest chapters in the region’s history. Under the 20-point peace framework, Hamas will release all remaining hostages while Israel frees hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and expands humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.
Trump praised the efforts of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatar for helping broker the deal, saying their cooperation “proved that even in the hardest times, peace can find a way.” He also hinted that he would visit Gaza himself, saying he hoped to “put [his] feet on it soon” and predicted the area would “rise from the ashes.”
After Israel, Trump is expected to continue to Egypt, where an international summit will bring together regional and global leaders to discuss long-term peace and reconstruction efforts.
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Diplomats say the summit could serve as the foundation for future negotiations on security, governance, and rebuilding Gaza’s shattered infrastructure.
While optimism surrounds the truce, many analysts caution that sustaining it will depend on trust, restraint, and humanitarian progress. Previous ceasefires have collapsed under renewed violence and political friction, and observers note that the challenges ahead remain immense.
Still, Trump appeared confident. “Everybody is happy,” he said. “And I think it’s going to stay that way. I’m good at solving wars — I’m good at making peace.”
The ceasefire brings cautious hope to millions across the region who have endured months of bombardment, displacement, and loss. Whether this moment becomes the beginning of a lasting peace or another fragile pause in a cycle of conflict will depend on what happens next — both on the ground and in the halls of diplomacy.
