October 13, 2025 | Washington / Tel Aviv
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U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that “the war is over” as he travels to Israel to oversee the release of hostages from Gaza, marking what could be a major turning point in one of the most devastating conflicts in recent Middle Eastern history.
The announcement comes following the ceasefire deal brokered between Israel and Hamas, which includes a large-scale hostage exchange and humanitarian relief plan. Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One, Trump said the world should now focus on “peace, rebuilding, and healing.”
>The war is over. The fighting is done,” Trump said. “Now it’s time to bring everyone home, especially those held in Gaza. We’re going to make sure that happens.
Historic Visit Amid Fragile Peace
Trump’s trip to Israel is being described by White House officials as a “mission of reconciliation”, aimed at securing the safe release of more than 100 hostages believed to be held by Hamas. It will be his first visit to the region since the latest escalation of violence erupted months ago, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction in Gaza.
The U.S. President is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior defense officials in Tel Aviv, followed by talks with Qatari and Egyptian mediators who helped negotiate the ceasefire.
According to diplomatic sources, Trump’s involvement was crucial in finalizing the deal after weeks of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, with Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. acting as intermediaries.
>President Trump personally pushed for this ceasefire,” a senior U.S. official said. “He wanted the guns to go silent and the hostages to come home. That’s what today represents.
Ceasefire Brings Hope — and Skepticism
The ceasefire, which came into effect early Sunday, has largely held so far, with reports of calm returning to much of Gaza City and southern Israel. However, regional analysts warn that deep mistrust remains between the two sides.
Under the terms of the deal, Hamas is to release at least 50 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and foreign nationals, in exchange for the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. The agreement also includes guarantees of humanitarian aid, fuel deliveries, and medical access to war-torn areas of Gaza.
>It’s a fragile peace,” said Dr. Lina Khoury, a Middle East analyst at the University of Beirut. “But for the first time in months, both sides have something to gain from keeping it — Hamas needs relief for Gaza, and Israel needs its citizens back.
The deal is being monitored by international observers from the United Nations, Red Cross, and the United States.
Scenes of Relief and Uncertainty
Across Israel and the Palestinian territories, the reaction to Trump’s announcement was mixed but emotional.
In Tel Aviv, families of hostages gathered outside the Defense Ministry, waving flags and holding pictures of their loved ones as they awaited confirmation of the first releases. Tears and applause erupted when news broke that the first group of captives had been handed over to the Red Cross.
>I still can’t believe it,” said Yael Cohen, whose 23-year-old son had been held in Gaza since the October raid. “If they really come home today, this will be the happiest day of my life.”
In Gaza City, residents cautiously emerged from shelters after weeks of relentless airstrikes. Streets once filled with rubble and smoke saw children playing again, though the destruction remains overwhelming. Humanitarian agencies say more than 60% of homes and infrastructure in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed.
>People are exhausted and traumatized,” said UN aid worker Karim Hassan. “But even a short pause in fighting means we can deliver food, water, and medicine that families desperately need.
Trump’s Message: Peace Through Strength
During his remarks, Trump framed the end of the war as a victory for diplomacy and a demonstration of “American leadership.” He also hinted at a possible regional peace summit, to be hosted in Washington in the coming months.
>We’ve shown that peace through strength works,” Trump said. “The United States will always stand for peace, for security, and for the right of every child in this region to live without fear.”
The President’s approach marks a continuation of his administration’s Middle East policy, which emphasizes direct negotiations and economic incentives to encourage stability. Some critics, however, argue that Trump’s handling of the conflict favored Israel and neglected the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
>He’s taking credit for a ceasefire that came after immense suffering,” said Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat. “The question now is whether this peace can actually last.
Reactions Around the World
The international community has largely welcomed the ceasefire and hostage release, though caution remains.
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described the deal as a “vital step toward lasting peace,” urging both sides to continue dialogue. European Union leaders echoed that sentiment, pledging financial support for Gaza’s reconstruction.
Meanwhile, Arab nations including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia praised Trump’s diplomatic role but called for a broader political solution addressing the Palestinian statehood issue — something that remains unresolved.
>This is not the end of the story,” said Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. “True peace requires justice, and justice means recognizing the rights of the Palestinian people.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, analysts warn that many obstacles remain. Hardline factions on both sides could still derail the fragile truce, and the long-term reconstruction of Gaza is expected to cost billions of dollars.
There are also concerns about political divisions within Israel, as some right-wing ministers criticize Netanyahu for agreeing to the prisoner swap. Hamas, too, faces internal pressure from militant groups opposed to any compromise with Israel.
>Peace is always the hardest part after war,” said Israeli journalist Ronen Bergman. “Everyone wants the fighting to stop, but not everyone agrees on what happens next.
A Defining Moment for Trump
For President Trump, the ceasefire marks one of the most significant diplomatic moments of his presidency. With the U.S. election season approaching, it could also bolster his image as a global dealmaker.
>We brought peace where others couldn’t,” Trump said before takeoff. “And we’ll make sure it lasts.”
As Air Force One descends toward Tel Aviv, millions across the world are watching — hopeful, skeptical, but united in the wish that this really is the end of the war.
