Trump arrives in Egypt for Gaza Summit, urges Israel to seize ‘ultimate prize for peace and prosperity’

The whirlwind trip, which included a speech at the Knesset in Jerusalem earlier in the day, comes at a fragile moment of hope for ending over two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas.

More than two dozen countries are expected to be represented at the summit, co-hosted by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was invited but declined, with his office citing proximity to a Jewish holiday behind his decision to skip the summit, AP reported.

Despite lingering questions over the next steps in Gaza, which has been devastated during the conflict, Trump appeared determined to seize an opportunity to foster regional stability.

“You’ve won,” he told Israeli lawmakers at the Knesset, which welcomed him as a hero. “Now it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East,” President Trump added.

He also pledged to help rebuild Gaza and urged Palestinians to “turn forever from the path of terror and violence”, AP reported.

“After tremendous pain and death and hardship,” he said, “now is the time to concentrate on building their people up instead of trying to tear Israel down.”

Trump also made a gesture towards Iran, where he bombed three nuclear sites during the country’s brief war with Israel earlier this year, stating that “the hand of friendship and cooperation is always open”.

Trump on whirlwind Middle East trip

The US President arrived in Egypt hours late after speeches at the Knesset ran longer than expected.

“They might not be there by the time I get there, but we’ll give it a shot,” he joked, after teasing Israeli leaders for speaking at length.

Twenty hostages were released on Monday as part of the agreement aimed at ending the war that began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas killed more than 1,000 Israelis.

Trump met some of the families of the hostages at the Knesset.

“Your name will be remembered to generations,” a woman told him.

Israeli lawmakers repeatedly chanted Trump’s name and gave standing ovations. Some attendees wore red hats reminiscent of his “Make America Great Again” caps, with slogans reading “Trump, The Peace President.”

Gaza ceasefire: Netanyahu calls Trump ‘the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House’

Netanyahu hailed Trump as “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House” and vowed to work with him going forward.

“Mr. President, you are committed to this peace. I am committed to this peace,” he said, adding, “And together, Mr. President, we will achieve this peace.”

During his speech, Trump unexpectedly called on the Israeli President to pardon Netanyahu, whom he described as “one of the greatest” wartime leaders. Netanyahu faces corruption charges, though several hearings were postponed during the conflict with Hamas.

The Republican President also took the opportunity to settle political scores and thank supporters, criticising Democratic predecessors and acknowledging top donor Miriam Adelson, who was present in the audience.

Gaza ceasefire: Trump pushes to reshape the region

The situation in the region remains delicate despite the ceasefire. Israel and Hamas are still implementing the first phase of Trump’s plan.

The initial phase of the ceasefire agreement includes the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas, the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a surge of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a partial pullback by Israeli forces from Gaza’s main cities.

Trump has said there is a window to reshape the region and reset long-strained relations between Israel and Arab neighbours.

“The war is over, OK?” Trump told reporters travelling with him aboard Air Force One. “I think people are tired of it,” he added, emphasising that he believed the ceasefire would hold.

He attributed the opportunity for peace to his Republican administration’s support for Israel’s efforts against Iranian proxies, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The White House noted that momentum is building as Arab and Muslim states focus on resolving the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict and, in some cases, deepening ties with the US.

In February, Trump had predicted Gaza could be redeveloped into what he called “the Riviera of the Middle East.” On Sunday, aboard Air Force One, he was more cautious.

“I don’t know about the Riviera for a while,” Trump said. “It’s blasted. This is like a demolition site.” He added that he hoped to visit Gaza one day. “I’d like to put my feet on it, at least,” he said.

The sides have not yet agreed on Gaza’s postwar governance, reconstruction, or Israel’s demand that Hamas disarm. Negotiations could break down, and Israel has indicated it may resume military operations if its demands are not met.

Much of Gaza remains in ruins, and its roughly 2 million residents continue to face desperate conditions. Under the deal, Israel has agreed to reopen five border crossings, easing the flow of food and supplies into Gaza, where parts are experiencing famine.

Around 200 US troops will help monitor the ceasefire, working alongside partner nations, non-governmental organisations, and private-sector players.

(With AP inputs)

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