According to a report by Anadolu Agency on Thursday, Oct. 9, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he intends to travel to Egypt soon for an official signing ceremony of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, describing the milestone as an “incredible day” achieved through the cooperation of key regional leaders, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“We’re going to try and get over there, and we’re working on the timing the exact timing,” Trump told reporters during a Cabinet meeting at the White House. “We’re going to Egypt for an official signing. We’ve already signed an agreement on my behalf, but this will be the formal, ceremonial signing.”
Trump expressed his “tremendous gratitude” to leaders from Qatar, Egypt, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and other nations for their role in facilitating the deal. He singled out Erdogan, saying the Turkish president “was personally involved in dealing with Hamas and some of the others. He’s been great.”
“The cooperation has been remarkable. Countries that historically haven’t seen eye to eye, even those with past disagreements, have come together. Indonesia has also been fantastic,” Trump added.
Addressing the humanitarian aspect of the agreement, Trump said the deal includes the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza. “They should be released on Monday or Tuesday,” he said, noting that the process is “complicated.” He also acknowledged the challenge of recovering the bodies of Israeli hostages, estimating that “20 to 28 may be difficult to locate,” but assured that authorities are doing their best.
Trump also outlined plans for Gaza’s reconstruction, emphasizing contributions from wealthy nations in the region. “There is tremendous wealth in that part of the world. Even a small portion of that can make a huge difference for Gaza. You cannot live right now in Gaza. We will create something where people can live. I expect some countries to step up with significant support,” he said.
The U.S. president further confirmed that he had been invited to address Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, a first for any U.S. president. “They’ve asked me to speak, and I’ve agreed. If they want me to, I will do it. It’s never been done before, so it’s very interesting,” he said.
Regarding the two-state solution, Trump said he would respect the decisions of the parties involved. “I don’t have a personal view. I will follow what they agree upon,” he stated.
The announcement follows the initial agreement between Israel and Hamas on the first phase of Trump’s 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, unveiled on September 29. The first phase includes the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Phase two proposes a new governing mechanism in Gaza without Hamas participation, a security force combining Palestinians with Arab and Islamic troops, disarmament of Hamas, and Arab and Islamic financial support for governance and reconstruction, with limited involvement from the Palestinian Authority.
While Arab and Muslim nations have largely welcomed the framework, officials have emphasized that detailed negotiations are still required for full implementation. See, More, Here>>>>
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