U.S. President Donald Trump departed Sunday for Israel and Egypt on a high-profile peace mission, declaring that the “war is over” in Gaza despite uncertainty about what will follow a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas.
Trump's lightning visit is designed to celebrate his role in brokering last week's ceasefire and hostage release deal, but it comes at a precarious time as Israel and Hamas negotiate what comes next.
The 79-year-old president is due to arrive in Israel shortly after the expected release of the hostages by Hamas. He will address parliament before heading to Egypt to host a major peace summit.
"The war is over. Okay? You understand that?" Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One when asked if he was confident that the conflict between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas was finished.
Speaking before he boarded at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, Trump added that the visit was going to be a "very special time."
