Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.  President Donald Trump arrived in Egypt on Monday for a global summit on Gaza’s future, seeking to advance peace in the Middle East after visiting Israel to celebrate a US-brokered ceasefire with Hamas.

The whirlwind trip, which included a speech earlier in the day before the Knesset in Jerusalem, comes at a fragile moment of hope to end two years of war between Israel and Hamas.

More than two dozen countries are expected to attend the summit, co-hosted by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was invited but declined, citing the proximity of a Jewish holiday.

Despite lingering questions about Gaza’s future, which has been devastated by the conflict, Trump is determined to seize the moment to pursue what he calls “an elusive peace” in the region.

“You’ve won,” Trump told Israeli lawmakers at the Knesset, where he was welcomed as a hero. “Now it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East.”

Trump vowed US assistance in rebuilding Gaza and urged Palestinians to “turn forever from the path of terror and violence.”

“After tremendous pain and hardship,” he said, “now is the time to build your people up instead of trying to tear Israel down.”

He even extended an olive branch to Iran, whose nuclear sites were bombed by the US earlier this year during its brief war with Israel, saying, “The hand of friendship and cooperation is always open.”

A Whirlwind Middle East Trip

Trump arrived in Egypt several hours late after speeches at the Knesset ran long. “They might not be there by the time I get there, but we’ll give it a shot,” he joked, needling Israeli leaders for their lengthy remarks.

Earlier Monday, 20 hostages were released as part of an agreement aimed at ending the war that began Oct. 7, 2023, with Hamas-led attacks on Israel. Trump met with some of their families at the Knesset.

“Your name will be remembered for generations,” one woman told him.

Israeli lawmakers chanted Trump’s name and gave him repeated standing ovations. Some audience members wore red hats resembling his “Make America Great Again” caps, but with the words “Trump, The Peace President.”

Netanyahu called Trump “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House,” pledging to work together toward lasting peace.

“Mr. President, you are committed to this peace. I am committed to this peace,” Netanyahu said. “Together, we will achieve it.”

In a surprise moment, Trump called on Israel’s president to pardon Netanyahu, whom he described as “one of the greatest wartime leaders,” even as the prime minister faces corruption charges.

The Republican president also took the opportunity to thank key supporters, including billionaire donor Miriam Adelson, while criticizing Democratic predecessors for what he called “decades of failure” in Middle East policy.

Trump Pushes to Reshape the Region

The ceasefire’s first phase calls for the release of all remaining hostages, the freeing of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from major cities.

“The war is over, OK?” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “People are tired of it.” He said he believed the ceasefire would hold because of that fatigue.

He added that peace was made possible by his administration’s backing of Israel’s campaign against Iranian proxies, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The White House said momentum is also building as Arab and Muslim states renew their focus on resolving the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and strengthening ties with Washington.

In February, Trump predicted Gaza could be redeveloped into “the Riviera of the Middle East.” On Sunday, he struck a more somber tone: “I don’t know about the Riviera for a while,” he said. “It’s blasted, like a demolition site.” Still, he added, “I’d like to put my feet on it, at least.”

The sides have yet to agree on Gaza’s postwar governance, reconstruction, and Israel’s demand that Hamas disarm, issues that could derail negotiations. Israel has hinted it may resume military action if its terms are not met.

Much of Gaza remains in ruins, and its 2 million residents continue to face dire humanitarian conditions. Under the agreement, Israel has reopened five border crossings to allow food and supplies into the enclave, parts of which are suffering famine.

About 200 US troops will help monitor and support the ceasefire as part of a coalition that includes partner nations, NGOs, and private-sector players.

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