U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he plans to travel to Egypt next week to attend the signing ceremony for the Gaza ceasefire agreement, a historic development aimed at ending two years of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas. The U.S. President also stated that he expects Hamas to release the remaining hostages as early as Monday or Tuesday, marking a potential breakthrough in peace efforts for the region.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump confirmed that the long-awaited peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas “has effectively ended the war in Gaza.” He added that this agreement could become a cornerstone for broader peace across the Middle East.
“We’ve secured the release of all remaining hostages, and they should be freed by Monday or Tuesday,” Trump declared, calling the agreement a “milestone for peace and humanity.”
However, he also expressed sadness that some of the deceased hostages’ remains may never be recovered, acknowledging the heavy toll of the two-year conflict.
Celebration and Optimism Across the Region
In southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, Palestinians took to the streets celebrating the announcement, waving flags and chanting as news spread that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of President Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan. The agreement is expected to lead to a gradual ceasefire, followed by reconstruction efforts and a roadmap for long-term stability.
Trump, who revealed the first phase of his peace plan earlier this week, said preparations were underway for a possible stop in Egypt. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi confirmed that he had invited Trump to attend an official signing ceremony in Cairo, calling it “a moment of hope for peace in the region.”
A Planned Visit to Israel
Trump also mentioned his intention to visit Israel following the ceremony in Egypt, saying he had been invited to address the Israeli Knesset (Parliament).
“It’s an honor to be invited to speak in Israel’s Parliament,” Trump said. “The world is watching as we take steps toward peace, and I believe this moment will reshape the future of the Middle East.”
After the Cabinet meeting, the President spoke briefly to reporters from the Oval Office, confirming he would depart for the Middle East on Sunday. His trip is seen as a major diplomatic move as Washington looks to solidify its role as a key peace broker in the region.
What Comes Next for Gaza?
While the details of the second phase of the peace agreement remain limited, Trump hinted that the plan would include demilitarization and withdrawal measures, addressing Israel’s demand for Hamas to disarm completely, as well as Hamas’s call for Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza.
“There will be disarmament and withdrawal,” Trump said, suggesting that both sides would make significant concessions to ensure lasting stability.
The President added that reconstruction of Gaza would soon begin, signaling that Arab nations might play a major role in funding and managing rebuilding projects. He also suggested that Arab peacekeeping forces could be deployed to maintain order during the transition period.
“Gaza will slowly rebuild,” Trump said. “Arab nations are prepared to help not just financially but also in peacekeeping efforts to make sure the region remains stable and safe for everyone.”
A Major Breakthrough After Years of Conflict
The announcement of the ceasefire agreement follows two years of intense fighting that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
In response, Israel carried out a massive military offensive on the Gaza Strip, which according to local sources, has claimed more than 67,000 Palestinian lives and left the territory in ruins. The war also created a severe humanitarian crisis, with food, water, and medical supplies running dangerously low.
The new agreement, negotiated under Trump’s “Path to Peace” initiative, is expected to bring relief to millions of Gazans who have endured years of violence, displacement, and economic collapse. The United Nations and several Arab League nations have welcomed the deal, calling it “a critical step toward ending one of the most devastating conflicts of the decade.”
International Reaction and Next Steps
World leaders have reacted cautiously but positively to the announcement. The European Union issued a statement praising the ceasefire as “a necessary step toward stability,” while emphasizing the need for a sustainable political solution. Meanwhile, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to remain committed to the agreement, saying, “The world cannot afford another collapse in Gaza.”
In Washington, analysts view Trump’s upcoming visit as a high-stakes diplomatic mission that could define his foreign policy legacy. The President’s peace plan centered on negotiation, reconstruction, and regional cooperation has drawn comparisons to the Camp David Accords of the late 1970s.
Still, challenges remain. Critics warn that deep mistrust between Israel and Hamas, coupled with political divisions among Palestinians, could complicate the agreement’s implementation. Others fear that extremist factions may attempt to sabotage the ceasefire through sporadic attacks.
Hope Amid Uncertainty
Despite the obstacles, optimism is rising that the ceasefire deal and upcoming hostage release could mark a turning point for the region. For families of hostages, Monday and Tuesday may bring long-awaited reunions after two years of anguish.
As Trump prepares to embark on his Middle East journey, he framed the moment as an opportunity for global unity.
“Peace isn’t easy, but it’s worth fighting for,” he said. “This agreement shows that diplomacy, persistence, and faith in humanity can end even the toughest conflicts.”
If successful, the agreement could open a new chapter in U.S. brokered diplomacy one that seeks to transform the Gaza conflict from a story of destruction into one of reconstruction and reconciliation.