Tel Aviv: Before heading to address the Israeli parliament, US President Donald Trump spoke briefly to reporters at the rear of Air Force One, offering his reflections on the recently negotiated Gaza deal while carefully sidestepping questions about its next phase. Standing in the doorway, Trump highlighted his role in securing the agreement and the release of hostages from Hamas, describing the outcome as “amazing.”
“Everybody is happy whether it’s Jewish or Muslim or the Arab countries. Every country is dancing in the streets,” Trump said, emphasizing the broad international enthusiasm surrounding the hostages’ release and the ceasefire. As the plane prepared to land in Tel Aviv, coinciding with the first hostages’ arrival, he repeatedly framed the events as a personal and diplomatic triumph, signaling what many observers called a symbolic “victory lap.”
When asked about the longevity of the ceasefire, Trump expressed confidence, noting, “It’s going to hold.” He also commented on the reaction of crowds in Hostages Square, who reportedly booed his envoy Steve Witkoff’s mention of Prime Minister Netanyahu but cheered when Trump’s own name was mentioned. “I did,” Trump said. “I also saw the crowd cheer when he mentioned Trump, like really cheer, and it’s an honour.”
However, Trump largely avoided discussing substantive questions regarding the future governance of Gaza and the mechanisms to ensure lasting stability. Inquiries about the proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF), a multinational security presence outlined in his 20-point plan but not yet formally agreed upon, drew only vague reassurances. “It’s going to be a big, strong force,” Trump said, asserting it would “barely” have to be used because “people are going to behave, everybody knows their place.”
Similarly, he offered minimal clarity about his proposed “Board of Peace,” intended to administer Gaza under a second phase of negotiations. Despite indications that Hamas has already expressed opposition to the concept, Trump remained undeterred. “Everybody wants to be a part of [the Board of Peace]. I’ve had calls from all of the leaders,” he said, returning repeatedly to lofty historical claims, describing the developments as a “3,000 year historical accomplishment” and a “unique point in time.”
Observers noted that while Trump’s statements underscored his central role in orchestrating the deal and highlighted celebratory milestones, they offered limited insight into the complex diplomatic and security challenges still ahead. Questions about Hamas’s disarmament, international enforcement mechanisms, and long-term governance of Gaza remain unresolved, setting the stage for further negotiations in the coming weeks.