‘War Is Over’: Trump Announces End Of Gaza Conflict As He Flies To Israel For Hostages’ Release

US President Donald Trump said the war in Gaza is “over” as he prepared to board Air Force One for a visit to Israel and Egypt. Trump said, “The war is over. Okay? You understand that?” when asked about the conflict between Israel and Hamas, as per Reuters report.He added that people in Israel, Arab countries, and Muslim nations were “cheering” over the agreement.Trump’s Visit To Israel And EgyptTrump is traveling to Israel and Egypt to mark the ceasefire deal with Hamas and the release of hostages, calling it a “very special time.” He will be joined on the trip by top US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, along with other senior administration members, to celebrate the ceasefire and the release of hostages.Trump, 79, is expected to arrive in Israel shortly after Hamas releases hostages captured in its October 7 cross-border attack, which killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians. During his short visit, he will meet families of hostages and address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, in a historic moment marking two years since the deadly attacks. Trump said, “We’re standing on the doorstep of one of the greatest diplomatic achievements ever. We won’t stop until peace is real and lasting.”Visit AgendaThe visit is seen as a personal victory for Trump, who played a key role in negotiating the first phase of the Gaza deal. He plans to promote a “Board of Peace” as part of his 20-point plan for the region but has been vague on details. Crucial issues remain unresolved, including Hamas’s disarmament and Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza.Trump was joined on Air Force One by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and top military officer Dan Caine. He said that “everybody’s amazed and thrilled” by the ceasefire and said the agreement shows that nations are “tired of the fighting.”US Vice President JD Vance said that Trump will continue to exert “consistent leverage and consistent pressure” to ensure all parties follow through on the agreement. The visit comes at a sensitive time as Israel and Hamas negotiate next steps for long-term peace in the region.(With inputs from AFP and Reuters)