President Donald Trump suggested he may travel to Gaza.
Key Facts
Trump said in a Truth Social post that all hostages “will be released very soon” under the deal’s first phase and that Israeli troops in Gaza will withdraw “to an agreed upon line.”
Trump’s plan proposes three phases of an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza that Israel has agreed to: The final stage of withdrawal leaves roughly 15% of Gaza under Israeli control until “Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat.”
The announcement came after Trump told reporters that Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave him a note “saying that we’re very close to a deal in the Middle East, and they’re going to need me pretty quickly.”
Israel’s invasion of Gaza has persisted for nearly two years after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 surprise attack against Israel, with various peace talks and ceasefires failing in the region since.Will Trump Visit Gaza?
“I would. I might do that,” Trump said in response to a reporter asking if he would consider going to Gaza to see what things are like on the ground. The president added, “I’ll be going to Egypt, most likely, that’s where everybody is gathered right now.” Trump will visit Walter Reed Medical Center on Friday for his routine yearly checkup, according to a statement from the White House, which noted the president will “consider going to the Middle East shortly thereafter.”How Have Israeli Leaders And Hamas Reacted?
In a statement on X, Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu wrote: “With the approval of the first phase of the plan, all our hostages will be brought home. This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel.Through steadfast resolve, powerful military action, and the great efforts of our great friend and ally President Trump, we have reached this critical turning point. I thank President Trump for his leadership, his partnership, and his unwavering commitment to the safety of Israel and the freedom of our hostages.
