Trump Declares End to Gaza War, Middle East Moves Toward Normalization

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the end of the Gaza war on Sunday, expressing optimism that the Middle East is entering a new era of normalization. Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to Israel, Trump said, “The war is over. I think it’s going to normalize,” signaling renewed hopes for peace in the region after two years of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas.

A fragile ceasefire held for the third consecutive day as Israel prepared for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian confirmed that 20 surviving hostages would be released early Monday, followed by the handover of 28 deceased captives. The agreement, mediated by the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, also includes Israel’s release of 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the moment as a turning point, saying, “Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path — one of building, healing, and unity.” Across Gaza, thousands of displaced Palestinians began returning north, hopeful the ceasefire marks the end of their suffering. Yet the destruction remains vast, with aid workers estimating the need for over 300,000 tents to house 1.5 million displaced residents.

Trump is expected to address the Knesset on Monday before attending a peace summit in Egypt alongside world leaders, including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The summit aims to lay the foundation for lasting peace and reconstruction in Gaza.

As Gazans return home to scenes of devastation, the world watches closely. Trump’s involvement and the unprecedented cooperation among regional powers signal what many hope will be the beginning of a new, more stable Middle East.