Imagine a world where the guns fall silent, where families torn apart by conflict are reunited. That's the hope on the horizon as Israel awaits the release of hostages held in Gaza, a moment US President Donald Trump has boldly declared signals the "war is over." But here's where it gets controversial – can a ceasefire truly erase the deep scars of war, and will this peace hold? Let's dive into the details.
Trump's Middle East Trip: A Victory Lap?
Before even touching down in the Middle East, Trump made sure everyone knew who he thought was responsible for the potential peace. BBC's State Department correspondent Tom Bateman meticulously detailed Trump's pre-departure activities as he boarded Air Force One, setting the stage for what some are calling a "victory lap."
Key Remarks Before the Trip:
Speaking to the media before his flight, Trump didn't hold back. Here's a breakdown of his main points:
- "War is over" claim: Trump stated definitively that the Gaza conflict is finished and the ceasefire will endure. Is this optimism justified, or is it premature? Many argue that declaring victory before a lasting solution is in place risks undermining future negotiations.
- Self-proclaimed peacemaker: Trump asserted his ability to resolve conflicts and make peace, adding, "I am good at solving wars. I'm good at making peace."
- Netanyahu relationship: He described his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "very good," even calling him a "wartime president" who "did a very good job." He acknowledged past disagreements but claimed they were quickly resolved. This raises questions about the nature of their rapport and how it influenced the ceasefire negotiations. And this is the part most people miss: how much of this "peace" is truly about political capital?
- Qatar praise: Trump surprisingly lauded Qatar's role, saying they should "start getting some credit" and calling their assistance "amazing." This is a stark contrast to his 2017 accusations of the nation's ties to terrorism. What prompted this change of heart? Was it purely pragmatic, or does it reflect a deeper shift in US foreign policy?
- Nobel ambitions: Trump, a known admirer of the Nobel Peace Prize, called the Gaza conflict the "eighth war that I've solved," emphasizing that his motivation was saving lives, not personal recognition. However, the constant mention of the Nobel prize subtly suggests otherwise. Does he genuinely prioritize peace, or is the pursuit of accolades a driving factor?
- Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict: When asked about the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Trump said it would "have to wait till I get back." This perhaps signals a prioritization of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over other global issues.
UK's Humanitarian Aid:
While Trump was en route, the UK announced a £20 million aid package for Gaza. Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Egypt for a summit on ending the Gaza war and pledged the funds to provide essential water, sanitation, and hygiene services. This is part of a larger £116 million commitment to the Palestinian people this year. Starmer emphasized the importance of implementing the peace plan to ensure safety and security for both sides. "Today is the first, crucial phase of ending this war and now we must deliver the second phase, in full,” he stated.
Hostages Square Awaits:
In Tel Aviv, Hostages Square prepared to broadcast live updates on the hostage release. For months, the square has been a focal point for rallies demanding the return of those held in Gaza. The Hostages and Missing Families group announced that the square would remain open to "accompany the release of the hostages in real time." The post on X referred to the night as a "yellow all-nighter," referencing the colored ribbons symbolizing the hostages' plight.
Hostage Handover Protocol:
An Israeli military official outlined the procedure for the hostage handover, mirroring previous operations. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will transfer the hostages to an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) squad, who will then transport them to the Re'im military base in southern Israel. Families will be waiting at reception points, and the hostages will be taken by helicopter to hospitals for further treatment. In cases of urgent medical needs, direct transport to the hospital will be prioritized. The official said the transfer of the hostages will follow the same procedure as the operation earlier this year.
High Stakes for Trump:
North America correspondent Peter Bowes highlighted the high stakes for Trump, who was widely praised for brokering the ceasefire. Trump expressed optimism, anticipating an "amazing time" and noting that "everybody's cheering at one time." He told reporters during the flight that the war was over and the ceasefire would hold. He also mentioned plans to establish a supervisory body, the Board of Peace, to oversee Gaza, which he described as a "demolition site."
A Critical Moment:
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas reached a crucial juncture. Hamas was expected to release the remaining hostages in Gaza. The bodies of those who died in captivity were also to be returned. In exchange, Israel will release Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life sentences, along with detainees held without charge. Aid trucks are crossing the border into Gaza, while Palestinians are returning to the devastated north of the territory.
The Big Questions Remain:
While the release of hostages and the ceasefire offer a glimmer of hope, significant challenges remain. Can a lasting peace be achieved? Will the international community provide the necessary support for Gaza's reconstruction? And perhaps most importantly, will both sides be willing to make the compromises necessary for a sustainable future? What do you think? Is Trump's assessment accurate, or is this just the beginning of another chapter in a long and complex conflict? Share your thoughts below!
