Ahead of his trip to Israel, President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the Gaza ceasefire and told reporters he might provide Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles if the conflict with Russia is not resolved.
He expressed confidence that the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas would hold as he set off for a one-day Middle East visit to mark what he described as “the end of the war in Gaza.”
Middle East Mission
Trump’s visit will include stops in Jerusalem and Sharm el-Sheikh. In Israel, he will address the Knesset, meet with families of released hostages, and discuss the implementation of the ceasefire with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In Egypt, he will join President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and leaders from over 20 countries for a summit focused on Gaza’s reconstruction and regional stability.
Trump described Gaza as “like a demolition site” but expressed confidence that international support could aid recovery. The agreement reopened five border crossings, allowing humanitarian aid to flow in, supported by a U.S.-led civil–military coordination centre. Around 200 U.S. troops will oversee the implementation but will not enter Gaza.
Ceasefire Details
The ceasefire marks the first step in ending hostilities sparked by Hamas-led attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023. Israeli forces have partially withdrawn from Gaza’s main cities, triggering a 72-hour window for Hamas to release 48 remaining Israeli hostages, around 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Trump is expected to meet freed hostages and their families during his visit.
Under the agreement, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, though prominent figures like Marwan Barghouti are not included in this phase. Humanitarian aid is being ramped up, with Israel reopening five border crossings and a U.S.-led civil-military coordination centre facilitating aid logistics. About 200 U.S. troops are supporting the deal, though none are entering Gaza.
Tomahawks for Ukraine
Trump also addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, suggesting he may notify Russian President Vladimir Putin that the United States could supply Tomahawk cruise missiles at Kyiv’s request.
“They’d like to have Tomahawks. That’s a step up,” Trump said, referring to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s requests for advanced weaponry. Analysts noted that such a move would extend Ukraine’s strike capabilities significantly, while Russia warned of a possible escalation.
Regional Implications
Trump’s trip aims to build on the Abraham Accords, strengthening diplomatic ties between Israel and Arab nations. Officials said a stable Gaza truce could facilitate talks with Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, advancing broader regional normalisation.
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