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Washington & Cairo – A Bold Claim, A Fragile Promise
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that the war in Gaza is over, saying that remaining hostages will be freed “Monday or Tuesday.” He further announced plans to travel to Egypt for an official signing of a peace agreement.
Trump described the moment as a “breakthrough in the Middle East,” saying:
“We ended the war in Gaza, and I think it’s going to be a lasting peace, hopefully, an everlasting peace.”
He claimed the U.S. had secured the release of all hostages and that the process, although complex, would begin in the coming days. He also stated an additional signing ceremony would take place in Egypt, building upon an earlier agreement he signed.
Key Points of the Plan & Pushback from Hamas
- Trump’s proposal includes a “Board of Peace” that would oversee Gaza’s administration post-conflict, led in part by the U.S.
- Hamas has strongly rejected this plan. A senior Hamas official said that no Palestinian group would accept such a board, noting that both Hamas factions and the Palestinian Authority oppose the idea.
- The ceasefire deal being referenced involves a prisoner-hostage swap: Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian inmates in exchange for Hamas freeing Israeli hostages.
Why It Matters – And What’s Unclear
If true, Trump’s statements would mark one of the most dramatic turns in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in recent memory. But analysts and observers urge caution:
- Trump’s claim that the war is over may be premature, as fighting and disputes still rage on multiple fronts.
- The “Board of Peace” plan is deeply controversial, viewed by many Palestinians as a form of imposed governance.
- The logistics of releasing hostages, securing prisoner swaps, and implementing peace terms are immensely difficult — any misstep could derail the fragile deal.
For Hamas and Palestinian groups, giving up control without guaranteed safeguards and equal representation is a steep demand. For Israel and its supporters, the legitimacy of any exchange depends on security guarantees.
Voices from Both Sides
Back in the U.S., Trump framed the agreement as a historic win. He emphasized that the deal had required “a complicated process” and insisted that the timing of moves would be calibrated carefully.
In Gaza and Palestinian territories, there was a mixture of hope, suspicion, and outright rejection of key parts of the plan. Many felt that the “Board of Peace” idea looked like external control rather than self-rule.
What to Watch Next
- Hostage releases – Will they actually happen on Monday or Tuesday, as Trump claims?
- Egypt signing ceremony – The schedule, parties involved, and terms on display.
- Reaction from Israel – Will Israel support both the prisoner exchange and the “Board of Peace” proposal?
- Implementation & oversight – Who ensures that each side keeps to the agreement?
- Public response in Gaza / Palestine – How citizens and local groups will receive this plan.
This announcement is bold and dramatic, raising hopes of a breakthrough in a conflict marked by years of suffering and stalemate. Still, the road from promise to peace is littered with obstacles and only time will tell whether this moment will last or falter.
