Trump’s Upcoming Visit to Israel and Egypt Highlights Peace Efforts
President Trump’s upcoming trip to Israel and Egypt aims to celebrate the peace agreements his administration has negotiated, while also serving as a somber reminder of the toll taken on Israeli hostages.
Scheduled to depart for the Holy Land on Sunday evening, Trump will join Israelis marking the end of a two-year conflict and meet with Arab leaders who played a role in persuading Hamas to agree to a cease-fire.
“I wish you all great success, or as I call it, eternal success,” Trump mentioned during a Friday Oval Office briefing, hinting at the potential for broader peace in the region.
However, he also seemed to be preparing the public for dire news regarding hostages, updating figures on casualties.
“They’re capturing them now. They’re in a pretty desolate area beneath the earth. Only a few people know where they are in some cases,” Trump noted, adding, “As we speak, some bodies, about 28 of hostages, are being exhumed. This is a tragedy.”
The White House was busy finalizing details for the trip on Saturday, with a senior official stating that the situation remains “very fluid.” As of then, no final decisions had been made regarding the delegation accompanying Trump or the tone of diplomatic discussions.
Trump is expected to stop in Cairo, where Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi is organizing a summit in the Gaza Strip. Yet, Egypt has indicated that Trump will attend a formal signing ceremony to officially end the war.
The release of hostages has a deadline set for noon on Monday, with reports suggesting they might be freed overnight Sunday, potentially before Trump arrives.
In a significant backdrop, Israelis celebrated the peace agreement in Hostage Square, waving American flags and holding up posters of Trump. His administration played a pivotal role in bringing the involved parties to the negotiating table after more than two years of violence following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed at least 1,200 Israelis and led to hundreds being taken captive.
Looking ahead, Trump anticipates the ceasefire will remain intact and has plans to chair a new “peace committee” aimed at overseeing Gaza’s transitional government.
He is expected to board Air Force One from Joint Base Andrews on Sunday night for an overnight flight, returning to Washington on Monday.
Israeli officials are preparing for a welcoming ceremony at Ben-Gurion Airport, after which Trump is slated to address Israel’s parliament. It’s expected he will receive a hero’s welcome in Israel, where families of hostages are urging for their loved ones’ safe return.
Following the ceasefire that took effect on Friday, the Israel Defense Forces have initiated movements under the agreement, granting Israel control over 53% of the Gaza Strip. The estimated 20 surviving hostages are expected to return home soon after enduring a lengthy ordeal, with Israel announcing a list of 250 prisoners set for release as part of the agreement. Additionally, Hamas is planning to deliver the remains of 28 hostages.
Trump also emphasized his commitment to restoring Gaza, stating, “Gaza will be rebuilt, and there are some very wealthy countries there, and it will take a fraction of their wealth to do that.”
