U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Israel on Monday to a hero’s welcome in the Knesset, as a tenuous Gaza ceasefire he helped broker entered its fourth day. The truce, marking the end of two years of war, has brought the release of dozens of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, offering the first flicker of calm in a conflict long defined by cycles of violence.
The war erupted after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, assault that killed roughly 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 taken hostage. Israel’s subsequent campaign devastated Gaza, leaving over 67,000 Palestinians dead, according to the enclave’s health ministry.
Trump, aboard Air Force One en route to Jerusalem, declared: “The war is over,” voicing optimism that the region was “going to normalise.” The U.N. confirmed a ramp-up in humanitarian aid, including cooking gas and food deliveries entering Gaza for the first time in months.
Still, the devastation remains staggering. Returning Gazans described streets lined with rubble and corpses, underscoring how distant lasting peace remains despite the momentary lull in fighting.
Why It Matters:
Trump’s visit symbolizes both diplomatic triumph and peril. The ceasefire and exchange of detainees mark a rare moment of cooperation between bitter enemies yet the underlying causes of conflict persist.
If sustained, the truce could reset U.S. influence in the Middle East, positioning Trump as a central broker after years of regional instability. But with unresolved questions about Gaza’s governance, the disarmament of Hamas, and Israel’s political fractures, this peace may prove ephemeral.
The broader challenge is whether Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” a new international body he says will oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and political future can navigate competing regional interests without reigniting tensions.
Israel Divided Between Relief and Political Tension:
In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, crowds cheered Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff but booed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reflecting public anger over Netanyahu’s handling of the war. Critics accuse him of prolonging the conflict to appease far-right coalition partners vital to his survival.
Despite the celebrations, many Israelis remain wary. “Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path,” Netanyahu said in a televised statement, framing the ceasefire as a step toward rebuilding but his political future is under intense scrutiny, especially after the ICC’s arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes.
Palestinians Relief Shadowed by Loss:
For Palestinians, the ceasefire has brought brief respite but no resolution. The release of 250 prisoners excluding high-profile figures like Marwan Barghouti and senior Hamas commanders has sparked frustration in Gaza and the West Bank. Meanwhile, 1,700 Gazans detained since October 2023 are also set to be freed.
On the ground, returning residents describe “joy mixed with horror.” “We are joyful to return, but bitter about the destruction,” said Rami Mohammad-Ali, 37, after walking from Deir al-Balah to Gaza City.
United State, A Diplomatic Gamble:
Trump’s arrival marks his attempt to cement a legacy-defining peace deal. His administration, alongside Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, mediated the first phase of the truce. The next stage of his 20-point plan remains uncertain particularly over Gaza’s postwar governance and Hamas’ future.
Trump has floated the idea of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair joining his “Board of Peace,” though he later questioned Blair’s suitability due to the Iraq War legacy.
More over, Egypt and regional mediators are also walking a tightrope. Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey continue to play balancing roles, facilitating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. A summit in Sharm el-Sheikh attended by more than 20 world leaders, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to push for concrete steps toward stabilization, though Israel will not participate.
What’s Next:
The coming days will test whether this ceasefire can hold beyond symbolic gestures. Israel and Hamas remain locked in tense, indirect negotiations over prisoner lists. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that once all hostages return, the military would “complete the mission” by destroying Hamas’ underground tunnel network.
Trump’s 20-point peace plan still faces major hurdles: defining who will govern Gaza, how to prevent Hamas’ resurgence, and ensuring humanitarian recovery amid political fragmentation.
As one Palestinian analyst told Reuters: “This plan lets Israel dictate the terms if it backtracks, it can blame Hamas. Meanwhile, Hamas, the weaker side, loses all leverage once it hands over the hostages.”
For now, the guns are silent but the path to peace remains precariously thin.
With information from Reuters.