President Donald Trump was adamant that the war in Gaza is “over” after he brokered a peace deal between Hamas and Israel last week.
Trump made the remark aboard Air Force One, as the president and key members of his administration are on their way to Israel.
“The war is over. The war is over, OK? You understand that?” Trump told one reporter. “I think [the ceasefire] is going to hold. … I think people are tired.”
Trump is scheduled to land in Tel Aviv at 2:20 a.m. Eastern time, after departing from Washington, D.C., just after 4 p.m. Traveling with the president are Secretary of State Marco Rubio, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine, among others.
In brief comments to the press just before the flight, Trump pointed to the celebratory tone ahead of the visit.
“This is going to be a very special time. … Everybody’s cheering at one time. That’s never happened before. … It’s an honor to be involved — and we’re going to have an amazing time.”
Despite the optimism, Hamas still needs to release the remaining hostages, about 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
TRUMP TO GREET FREED ISRAELI HOSTAGES IN MIDDLE EAST VISIT, VANCE SAYS
Vice President JD Vance revealed earlier on Sunday that Trump will greet them personally, most likely on Monday morning.
The hostage release, as well as Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, are the first phase of Trump’s 20-point peace plan.