The White House is expected to release the next details of Donald Trump’s trip to the Middle East this Friday (10). The president of the United States had already stated that he would visit Egypt next Sunday (12) to attend the signing of the peace agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The republican also said that the hostages held captive by the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip should be released next Monday (13) or Tuesday (14).
“Getting them back is a complicated process. I’d rather not say what they need to do to get them back. There are places you don’t want to be, but we’re going to get the hostages back on Tuesday, Monday or Tuesday, and that will be a day of joy,” the Republican said during a cabinet meeting at the White House.
The event at the US government headquarters was held to discuss the permanent ceasefire agreement reached this Wednesday (8). The release of the hostages kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023 is part of the first phase of a broader plan for Gaza. Trump also stated that he believes the deal will lead to “lasting peace”.
Additionally, Israeli government security officer Gal Hirsch held a conversation with the head of the Red Cross, Julien Lerisson, to discuss preparations for the release of the hostages. The information was released by the Prime Minister’s Office to the local newspaper The Times of Israel.
The local outlet also noted that Trump is expected to arrive in Israel next Monday morning (13) to give a speech and meet with prisoners released by Hamas. However, for security reasons, Trump will not visit Hostage Square in Tel Aviv.
End of the War
Hamas announced this Thursday (9) that it has ended the war against Israel and initiated a permanent ceasefire. The statement was made on television, highlighting that the agreement should bring stability to the region, according to Reuters.
The group’s senior leader, Khalil al-Hayya, explained that the pact includes the reopening of the Rafah crossing, on the border between Gaza and Egypt. This way, civilians will be able to transit again and humanitarian supplies will reach Palestinian territory.
Al-Hayya highlighted that the United States, Arab mediators and Turkey have guaranteed that the ceasefire will be respected. He participated directly in the negotiations and, in September, survived an Israeli attack on the group’s targets in Qatar.
Israel approves peace plan
The Israeli government approved the first phase of the Peace Plan for Gaza also this Thursday. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after long meetings with members of the cabinet and representatives of the United States.
In a brief statement, Netanyahu thanked American negotiators for their efforts in brokering the agreement. In addition to the immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, Israel will allow the entry of hundreds of trucks with humanitarian aid, in addition to promoting the progressive withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza territory.
