Trump to Visit Egypt and Israel as Gaza Ceasefire Takes Effect

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to visit Cairo and Jerusalem as part of diplomatic efforts surrounding the newly established Gaza ceasefire. The agreement, which halted strikes and paved the way for the release of hostages held by Hamas, is being hailed as a major step toward ending the two-year-long conflict in the region. Trump said he will meet “a lot of leaders from all over the world” in Cairo, where a ceremony will be held to celebrate the deal brokered between Israel and Hamas.

During his visit, Trump is also scheduled to address the Israeli Knesset, marking the importance of the agreement and reaffirming the United States' support for peace in the region. Expressing optimism, Trump said he believes the ceasefire will hold, noting that “everyone is tired of fighting.” The agreement was reached after intense negotiations led by the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, based on a 20-point peace plan unveiled by Trump the previous week.

Despite the significance of the visit, Trump mentioned that his stay in the region will be brief, as he must return to Washington by Tuesday to posthumously award conservative activist Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

As part of the ceasefire terms, Hamas is expected to release around 20 hostages taken during its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, along with the remains of over two dozen who died in captivity. In return, Israel has agreed to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.

However, key issues remain unresolved. Discussions will continue on the reconstruction of Gaza and its future governance. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that Hamas must disarm and play no role in governing the territory—a demand Hamas has yet to accept. Despite challenges, the ceasefire marks a crucial opportunity to move toward lasting peace.