Regional Leaders Unite for Peace Conference

Donald Trump travels to Israel and Egypt this Sunday to mark the American-facilitated ceasefire while pressing Middle Eastern allies to pursue comprehensive regional peace. The president perceives a critical but limited opportunity to fundamentally alter Middle Eastern relationships and heal persistent Israeli-Arab divisions.
This sensitive juncture finds Israel and Hamas tentatively implementing Trump’s negotiated agreement intended to permanently conclude hostilities initiated by the October 2023 Hamas offensive. Trump attributes this diplomatic opening to American support enabling Israel’s effective operations against Iranian-backed forces including Hamas and Hezbollah.
Administration sources report building momentum driven by Arab and Muslim states’ renewed dedication to addressing the Israeli-Palestinian dispute while simultaneously strengthening ties with Washington. Trump predicted successful Gaza reconstruction, emphasizing that neighboring countries possess sufficient wealth to accomplish rebuilding they appear eager to undertake.
The ceasefire’s opening stage mandates releasing Hamas-held hostages, freeing Israeli-detained Palestinians, surging humanitarian assistance, and implementing partial military withdrawals. Israeli forces completed pullbacks from certain Gaza areas Friday, triggering a 72-hour countdown for hostage releases potentially occurring during Trump’s regional presence.
Presidential plans include a Knesset address, the first since 2008, followed by a multi-nation summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. However, unresolved issues regarding Gaza’s postwar administration, reconstruction planning, and Hamas disarmament could destabilize progress and prompt renewed Israeli military operations if negotiations collapse.