Former U.S. President Donald Trump has described the recently announced Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release agreement as possibly the greatest achievement of his career. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One before arriving in Israel, Trump said the deal “could be the biggest thing I was ever involved in,” emphasizing his role in facilitating talks between Israel and regional powers.
Trump said his upcoming address to the Israeli parliament would focus on “love and peace for eternity.” He noted that earlier U.S. actions against Iran had indirectly created conditions for this development by diminishing the influence of Hamas’s key ally and opening the door for Arab states to participate in peace discussions.
During his remarks, Trump referred to the strong public response during a rally in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, attended by members of his family and senior aides. He described the gathering as “incredible,” adding that there was a renewed sense of hope and unity among attendees following the announcement of the deal.
He also mentioned an upcoming peace conference scheduled to take place in Egypt, where Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to attend. Trump expressed surprise that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might not participate, though he acknowledged that Egypt was managing the invitations and logistics for the meeting.
According to Trump, both Israeli and Palestinian representatives provided verbal guarantees that the first phase of the agreement would hold. He said he believed the parties “won’t want to disappoint me,” expressing confidence in the process. Trump reaffirmed that his relationship with Netanyahu remains “very good,” despite previous public disagreements.
Trump added that he hopes to visit Gaza in the future, once conditions allow for it. As part of his broader proposal, he has suggested the creation of a new governing body in Gaza, though he clarified that the final decision on leadership should rest with the parties involved in the negotiations.
The ceasefire and hostage-release deal marks the beginning of a broader U.S.-led peace initiative aimed at stabilizing the region. The agreement includes a cessation of hostilities, a phased release of hostages and prisoners, and a partial Israeli withdrawal from certain territories.
Analysts have noted that if this agreement endures, it could become one of the most significant diplomatic breakthroughs in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, experts caution that the success of the plan will depend on sustained cooperation and credible enforcement, as many previous ceasefires have collapsed under political and military pressure.
