Trump Arrives in Israel for Talks Before Key Gaza Summit in Egypt

U.S. President Donald Trump touched down in Israel on Monday as part of a diplomatic push focused on resolving the Gaza conflict. 

During his visit, he is scheduled to meet with families of recently freed hostages and address members of the Knesset before proceeding to Egypt for a high-level summit on Gaza.

At Ben Gurion International Airport, Trump was received by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His arrival came shortly after Hamas released seven captives to the Israeli military through the Red Cross.

Hamas has announced plans to release the remaining 20 living hostages in exchange for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners currently held by Israel.

Speaking aboard Air Force One before landing, Trump told reporters that the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas “is over,” signaling what could be a new phase in efforts toward regional stability.

Trump and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi will co-chair a meeting later on Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh.

The event aims to consolidate the fragile ceasefire that Trump helped broker and advance long-term peace and stability in the Middle East, according to the Egyptian presidency.

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and UN Secretary General António Guterres have confirmed their attendance.

dpa/NAN