After announcing that Israel and Hamas had agreed on the first phase of Gaza peace deal, US President Trump has informed Axios that he is “likely going to Israel in the coming days” to address the country’s parliament, the Knesset. In a brief phone interview shortly after announcing the deal, Trump said, “It’s a great day for Israel and for the world.” Ending the war in Gaza was among Trump’s key campaign promises, and the agreement revealed on Wednesday marks the most significant diplomatic success of his second term. Trump told Axios that he had a “great” conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “He is so happy. He should be. It is a great achievement. The whole world has come together to reach this deal, including countries that were enemies,” Trump said. Netanyahu mentioned after the call that he had invited Trump to address the Knesset. “I will definitely do that if they want me to,” Trump told Axios. The White House announced earlier on Wednesday that Trump might travel to the region after undergoing a physical examination on Friday. Under the deal, the remaining Israeli hostages—20 of whom are believed to be alive—will be released between now and Monday. Trump’s visit would align with this long-awaited event in Israel. The agreement also requires Israeli troops in Gaza to undertake a partial withdrawal and for Israel to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. However, complex issues such as the disarmament of Hamas and the future governance structure of Gaza still need to be resolved.
