“We have an unprecedented opportunity to overcome past grievances and deep-seated hostilities,” Trump stated, urging leaders “to affirm that our future will not be governed by the conflicts of previous generations.”
His rapid visit, including the summit in Egypt and a speech at the Knesset in Jerusalem earlier that day, occurred at a potentially hopeful juncture for ending the two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas.
“The war is over, OK?” Trump told reporters traveling with him aboard Air Force One.
“I think people are tired of it,” he said, emphasising that he believed the ceasefire would hold because of that.
He credited the prospect of peace to his administration’s backing of Israel’s efforts to weaken Iranian affiliates, such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The White House noted that there is growing momentum as Arab and Muslim countries are showing a renewed commitment to settling the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian issue and, in some instances, strengthening their bonds with the US.
In February, Trump had envisioned Gaza’s transformation into what he termed “the Riviera of the Middle East.” On Sunday, however, while aboard Air Force One, he expressed more caution.
“I’m not sure about the Riviera just yet,” Trump remarked. “It looks like a wreck. It’s as if a demolition occurred.” Despite this, he expressed a wish to visit the area someday. “I’d like to at least set foot there,” he stated.
The sides have not agreed on Gaza’s postwar governance, the territory’s reconstruction and Israel’s demand that Hamas disarm. Negotiations over those issues could break down, and Israel has hinted it may resume military operations if its demands are not met.
Much of Gaza has been reduced to rubble, and the territory’s roughly two million residents continue to struggle in desperate conditions. Under the deal, Israel agreed to reopen five border crossings, which will help ease the flow of food and other supplies into Gaza, parts of which are experiencing famine.
Roughly 200 US troops will help support and monitor the ceasefire deal as part of a team that includes partner nations, nongovernmental organizations and private-sector players.
