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US President Donald Trump is en route to Israel and Egypt to mark a historic milestone, the formal signing of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump declared that “the war is over,” adding that a “Board of Peace” would soon be established to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction. 

Trump praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatar for their crucial mediation roles in brokering the deal. “Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path, a path of building, healing, and uniting hearts,” Netanyahu said in a televised address.

Under the ceasefire terms, Hamas is expected to release all remaining hostages in Gaza by midday local time (10:00 BST). In return, Israel will free a number of Palestinian prisoners. The truce, now in its third day, has largely held, offering a rare moment of calm after months of relentless violence.

Thousands of Palestinians have begun moving north toward Gaza City, hopeful the ceasefire will lead to a permanent peace. “I’d like to visit Gaza,” Trump told reporters. “But it has to happen at the right speed. If you go too fast, that’s not going to be good.”

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Regional Calls For Accountability

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, however, urged vigilance, warning that Israel must “not be allowed to back out” of the peace agreement. “First and foremost, Israel must stand behind the signature it has given,” he said on X. Erdoğan accused Israel of making Gaza “85% uninhabitable” and called for urgent reconstruction before winter.

He also highlighted progress in humanitarian efforts, noting that aid convoys were finally reaching Gaza after weeks of obstruction. “These are hopeful developments,” Erdoğan added.

Summit In Egypt To Cement Peace Plan

Following his visit to Israel, Trump will head to Egypt for an international peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, co-chaired with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The summit, bringing together over 20 nations, aims to consolidate the ceasefire and chart a roadmap for long-term stability in the Middle East.

According to the Egyptian presidency, the talks will focus on “ending the war in Gaza, enhancing peace efforts, and ushering in a new era of regional security.”

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A White House statement noted growing support from Arab and Muslim nations for Trump’s broader peace plan, an initiative that many hope will finally end decades of conflict.