US President Donald Trump announced that the war in Gaza has ended and expressed optimism that the Middle East is moving toward normalization. Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to Israel, Trump said, “The war is over, you understand that,” adding that the region is “going to normalize.”
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas held for a third consecutive day on Sunday, as Israel awaited the release of hostages held by Hamas. In exchange, Israel is expected to free Palestinian prisoners under a negotiated deal mediated by the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the truce marked the beginning of a new phase focused on rebuilding and healing. Thousands of Palestinians have begun returning to northern Gaza, hopeful that peace efforts will hold after two years of devastating conflict.
Trump is scheduled to address Israel’s parliament on Monday before co-chairing the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit in Egypt, alongside other global leaders, to strengthen ceasefire arrangements and promote long-term regional stability.