Imagine a moment when the echoes of conflict finally begin to fade, and a former president claims victory in brokering peace in one of the world's most volatile regions. That's the dramatic headline unfolding right now with Donald Trump's bold assertions about the Gaza crisis, where he declares the war over and anticipates a lasting ceasefire. But here's where it gets controversial – can one man's words truly end a cycle of violence that's claimed so many lives? Stick around as we dive into the latest developments, because this story is packed with twists that could reshape global politics forever.
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Check out this video: Our BBC correspondent breaks down Trump's 'victory tour' – aired at 02:33 BST
BBC State Department reporter Tom Bateman provides an overview of Donald Trump's hectic itinerary before stepping onto Air Force One.
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On the topics of conflict resolution, Nobel aspirations, relations with Netanyahu, and Qatar's role – Trump's comments ahead of his Middle East journey – published at 02:17 BST
Image courtesy of Getty Images
Former President Donald Trump addressed journalists prior to departing on Air Force One en route to Israel.
Here are the main takeaways:
- Trump proclaims that the "war is over" in Gaza (check out the full story here: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn409y125v3o) and insists the ceasefire will endure.
- "I'm skilled at resolving conflicts. I'm adept at fostering peace," he continues.
- Trump describes his bond with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as "very strong," referring to him as a "president during wartime," and states: "He performed admirably. We had disagreements, but they were resolved swiftly."
- He also notes that Qatar deserves "some recognition" when questioned about its evolution since 2017, when he alleged ties to terrorism. "Qatar was outstanding in supporting us," he remarks.
- Trump, who has often expressed desire for the Nobel Peace Prize, labels the Gaza situation as the "eighth conflict I've resolved." He explains: "I didn't pursue this for the Nobel. I did it to preserve lives."
- Regarding the tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan (more details in this article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgmzmn4971zo), he says he's aware of it but "it'll have to wait until my return."
And this is the part most people miss – Trump's self-proclaimed track record of peacemaking raises eyebrows, especially when critics argue that true resolution requires more than declarations from afar. What do you think: Is this genuine diplomacy, or just political showmanship?
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Britain set to unveil a £20 million relief initiative for Gaza – announced at 01:53 BST
We're now able to share an image of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer touching down in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, ahead of a global leaders' gathering aimed at concluding the Gaza hostilities on Monday.
Image provided by Reuters
During his time in the Middle East, Starmer will commit £20 million in humanitarian support to supply water, sanitation, and hygiene essentials to Gaza during his Egyptian stop today.
This contribution forms part of a larger £116 million pledge for Palestinian aid this year.
“The UK will back the forthcoming round of negotiations to fully enact the peace framework, enabling people on all sides to reconstruct their lives with safety and stability,” the Prime Minister is slated to state.
“This marks the initial, vital step toward terminating the conflict, and now we must fully realize the subsequent phase.”
But here's where it gets controversial – some might question if financial aid alone can rebuild trust in a region scarred by deep-seated divisions. Is this a meaningful gesture, or does it overlook the root causes of the strife?
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Hostages Square in Tel Aviv gearing up for live transmissions shortly – updated at 01:33 BST
Image from Reuters
Giant displays in Hostages Square, Tel Aviv, are slated to go live in less than an hour, starting at 04:00 AM local time (01:00 GMT), as per a recent update from the Hostages and Missing Families group.
For several months, the square has been the site of ongoing demonstrations demanding the liberation of remaining captives held in Gaza.
In a recent X post, the group indicates the square will stay active and "track the hostages' release in real-time."
"Tonight's a yellow vigil," the post states, alluding to the symbolic ribbons representing the families' ordeal.
This emotional scene underscores the human cost of the conflict, reminding us that behind the headlines are real families yearning for closure. And this is the part most people miss – how these public displays of solidarity can influence diplomatic outcomes.
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Release of hostages to mirror prior exchanges – according to IDF – reported at 01:21 BST
Alice Cuddy
Reporting from Jerusalem
Israeli captives are scheduled for liberation later today, marking two years since their abduction by Hamas.
I've consulted an Israeli military representative about the ongoing preparations for the transfer of Israeli hostages.
The representative explained that the process will replicate the earlier operation this year, commencing with:
a. Hostages being escorted by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to a dedicated Israel Defense Forces team
b. That team will transport them to the Re'im military facility in southern Israel
c. Relatives will await at designated pickup areas
d. Subsequently, they will be flown by helicopter to medical centers for additional care
"If immediate medical attention is required, direct transport to a hospital will occur, bypassing the reception site," the official added.
To clarify for beginners: This step-by-step procedure ensures a secure and humane handover, prioritizing the well-being of those who have endured unimaginable hardship – a testament to international cooperation in crisis.
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A momentous journey for Trump – detailed at 01:10 BST
Peter Bowes
North America correspondent
Image sourced from Getty Images
The pressure is immense for Donald Trump.
Hailed for facilitating a groundbreaking truce, he departed Washington for a rapid Middle East excursion.
Upon boarding Air Force One, the former president radiated optimism, foreseeing a remarkable experience.
"Everyone's applauding simultaneously. That's unprecedented. Typically, one side cheers while the other opposes. This time, all are astounded and ecstatic. Participating is a privilege," he shared.
During the flight, Trump conversed with journalists, affirming the conflict's conclusion. When the BBC inquired if he trusted the truce to persist, he confirmed it would.
He further anticipated the area's "stabilization," with a monitoring entity – the Peace Board – to be swiftly formed to supervise Gaza, which he likened to a "wrecked landscape."
But here's where it gets controversial – Trump's enthusiastic reception contrasts with skepticism from those who view the ceasefire as fragile. Could this be a genuine turning point, or merely a temporary lull?
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A fragile juncture following 24 months of hostilities – updated at 01:05 BST
Image courtesy of Reuters
The truce agreement negotiated between Israel and Hamas arrives at a pivotal stage today.
Hamas is obligated to free the 48 remaining hostages in Gaza by noon local time (10:00 BST). Among them, 20 are presumed living and will promptly receive medical attention prior to reuniting with families. The remains of 28 others are set for repatriation.
This coincides with former US President Donald Trump's visit to Israel following the pact mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar.
Trump will speak to Israel's parliament before heading to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, to chair a summit on Middle Eastern stability, attended by over 20 international leaders.
Trump will be welcomed by "crowds of Israelis expressing thanks and camaraderie," stated Israel's President Isaac Herzog on Sunday, with numerous Israelis attributing the truce to the American ex-president.
In return for the hostages' return, Israel will discharge 250 Palestinian inmates, including those with life terms. This supplements the earlier release of over 1,700 detainees – many held without charges, among them nearly two dozen minors.
Meanwhile, aid convoys are entering Gaza as displaced Palestinians, pushed southward by Israel's campaign, begin returning northward. They encounter widespread destruction, with extensive portions of Gaza City in ruins.
Join us for continuous updates on this agreement and the upcoming peace conference.
As we wrap up this whirlwind of events, it's worth pondering: Does Trump's involvement signal a new era of American-led diplomacy, or is it just another chapter in a long saga of unfulfilled promises? And what about the broader implications for global peace efforts – are we witnessing real change, or simply managing symptoms? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments: Do you support this ceasefire, or do you see it as insufficient? Share your opinions and let's discuss!
