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U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he plans to travel to Egypt soon for an official signing ceremony marking a Gaza ceasefire agreement, calling it an "incredible day" achieved through extensive regional diplomacy involving Türkiye, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
Speaking at a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump said preparations were underway for the visit, explaining that a preliminary signing had already taken place. He expressed "tremendous gratitude" to regional leaders for their contribution to the deal, highlighting the personal involvement of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
"President Erdogan was personally involved in dealing with Hamas and some of the others. He’s been great," Trump said, noting that various nations that previously had limited cooperation had now "come together for this" effort.
Trump said the ceasefire agreement includes the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza, expected as early as Monday or Tuesday, though he noted that "getting them is a complicated process." He also said wealthy Middle Eastern nations would contribute to Gaza’s reconstruction, adding that "just a small part of that wealth will do wonders for Gaza."
The president confirmed that Israel and Hamas had accepted the first phase of his 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, which he unveiled on Sept. 29.
The plan calls for the release of Israeli captives in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.
According to the plan’s second phase, a new governing body will be formed in Gaza without Hamas’ participation. The proposed administration would involve Palestinian representatives alongside troops from Arab and Islamic countries to provide security and oversee disarmament. Funding for reconstruction and governance would come from Arab and Islamic nations, with limited involvement from the Palestinian Authority.
While many Arab and Muslim states have expressed support for the initiative, officials have cautioned that several aspects still require negotiation and clarification before full implementation.
However, senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Qatar-based broadcaster Al Araby that the group rejects Trump’s proposal to lead an interim "Board of Peace" overseeing Gaza’s administration, saying no Palestinian faction would accept a plan that places Gaza under foreign supervision. The board, to be chaired by Trump and include former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, is designed to manage reconstruction funding until the Palestinian Authority resumes control.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi commended Trump for mediating the ceasefire, saying he "deserves the Nobel Peace Prize" for his role in ending two years of Israeli attacks on Gaza. According to a statement from the Egyptian presidency, Sisi congratulated Trump in a phone call, expressing "deep appreciation" for his commitment to peace.
In his remarks, Sisi said Trump’s mediation reflects "genuine and persistent efforts to achieve peace," describing the Gaza ceasefire as a historic accomplishment that justifies his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
He noted that the agreement, brokered through intensive diplomacy in Sharm el-Sheikh, had restored hope for millions of civilians in Gaza and set the stage for reconstruction and long-term regional cooperation.
The Egyptian leader also highlighted Cairo’s continued coordination with Washington and regional partners, including Türkiye and Qatar, to ensure the full implementation of the truce and the safe release of hostages.
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