U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday voiced optimism that the recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Hamas would hold, saying that “people are tired of war” after centuries of conflict.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Israel, Trump was asked whether the fighting between Israel and Hamas had ended. “The war is over,” he said, adding that he believes the truce will last. “I think it is going to hold. There are a lot of reasons why it’s going to hold. But I think people are tired of it. It’s been centuries… I think people are tired of it.”
Before departing Washington, the President described his upcoming visit to Israel as “a very special time,” calling it a moment marked by excitement and unity.
“This is going to be a very special time… Everybody’s very excited about this moment in time,” Trump said.
He went on to call the visit a “remarkable occasion,” noting the rare sense of collective enthusiasm surrounding the peace efforts.
“This is a very special event… Everybody’s cheering at one time. That’s never happened before. Usually, if you have one cheering, the other isn’t… This is the first time everybody is amazed and they’re thrilled, and it’s an honour to be involved.”
According to the White House itinerary, Trump will arrive in Tel Aviv early Monday morning local time. His visit includes a private meeting with families of hostages at the Knesset, followed by a public address to Israeli lawmakers.
This marks Trump’s first visit to Israel since announcing the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which coincides with the implementation of Phase One of the Gaza Peace Plan. The plan, announced earlier this year, calls for the disarmament of Hamas and a framework for rebuilding Gaza.
Following his engagements in Israel, Trump will travel to Egypt, which hosted the ceasefire negotiations. The highlight of the trip will be a peace ceremony in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday afternoon, where he is expected to participate in the signing of the ceasefire deal. Details of the agreement have not yet been disclosed by the White House.
The President is scheduled to spend less than seven hours in Israel before flying to Egypt for roughly three hours and then returning to Washington shortly after midnight on Tuesday.
Officials said Trump’s meeting with hostage families will be closed to the press due to its sensitivity. His stop in Egypt marks the latest phase of U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East, as Washington and regional allies push for a lasting peace framework following months of conflict.
“We’re going to have an amazing time, and it’s going to be something that’s never happened before,” Trump said before boarding Air Force One.
