Trump gives new details on Mideast trip as Hamas frees hostages
Trump will be on the ground in the region when Hamas releases the remaining captives seized in the Oct. 7, 2023, surprise attack that started the war. Getty Images
“I’ll be going to Israel. I’ll be speaking at the Knesset, I think early on, and then I’m also going to Egypt. They were terrific,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
The president will be on the ground when Hamas releases the remaining captives taken during the Oct. 7, 2023, surprise attack that triggered the ongoing war. While in Egypt, Trump is expected to participate in a formal signing ceremony marking the first phase of his 20-point peace plan.
“Gaza is going to be rebuilt,” Trump said, citing anticipated financial contributions from wealthy Arab nations. He also emphasized that he will oversee reconstruction of the 2 million-person region as chairman of a “Board of Peace,” which will monitor the transitional Palestinian government once it is announced.
“We’re also setting up, as you know, a Board of Peace,” he explained. “It’s called the Board of Peace. I don’t know if that’s the final name, but the word ‘peace’ is definitely in there. They’ve asked me if I chair it. We’ll make sure things go well.”
The first phase of Trump’s plan, reportedly accepted by both Israel and Hamas, includes a cease-fire, the first of three planned Israeli military pullbacks, and the release of hostages. The U.S. military is providing logistical support to an emerging international peacekeeping force for Gaza, which is expected to include troops from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and possibly the UAE.
“They’re all tired of the fighting,” Trump said ahead of his trip.
Reflecting on the conflict, he added: “Don’t forget, you had October 7, which was a horrible day, 1,200 people killed, but Hamas has lost 58,000 people. That’s big retribution.” He noted that Russia and Iran have supported his peace initiative and claimed that residents in some Arab countries were “dancing in the streets.”
Trump said his tough stance helped secure the deal with Hamas. “I spoke a little bit tough… they knew the retribution would be tremendous, unsustainable… It would have been complete obliteration.”
Upon his return to the White House Tuesday, Trump will posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the late Charlie Kirk.
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