Trump Takes Victory Lap in Middle East as Gaza Ceasefire Sparks Cautious Optimism

Former U.S. President Donald Trump took a victory lap across the Middle East on Monday, celebrating the Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal he helped broker — a milestone that could mark the beginning of a difficult journey toward lasting peace.

The 79-year-old received a standing ovation in Israel’s parliament before heading to Egypt for a Gaza peace summit, where he was warmly received by world leaders.

“The prayers of millions have finally been answered,” Trump declared at the summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, flanked by regional counterparts. “At long last, we have peace in the Middle East.”

The atmosphere was unusually upbeat for Trump, who appeared in high spirits as he shared lighthearted remarks with leaders.

Meeting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, he quipped: “They have very little crime.”
With UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour, Trump joked: “A lot of cash. Unlimited cash.”
Referring to Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he said: “Tough cookie.”
And to Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, he added bluntly: “She’s beautiful.”

“His Triumph”

In Israel, Trump’s appearance took on the tone of a political celebration. Lawmakers cheered and waved red hats reading “Trump the Peace President”, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed him as “the greatest friend of Israel.”

Two left-wing MPs were removed after briefly heckling Trump during his address, which he described as one of his proudest moments.

“I’ve been involved in a lot of success,” Trump said. “I have never seen anything like what’s going on today.”

He even jokingly called for Netanyahu’s pardon in his ongoing corruption case, saying: “Cigars and some champagne — who the hell cares.”

The enthusiastic reception in both Israel and Egypt mirrors the global praise Trump has received for his role in brokering the Gaza truce — a rare achievement after decades of failed peace efforts by U.S. presidents.

Time Magazine’s latest cover features Trump under the headline: “His Triumph.”

Praise from Unlikely Sources

Even Trump’s political rivals have acknowledged his diplomatic breakthrough.

Former President Bill Clinton said Trump and his team “deserve great credit for keeping everyone engaged until the agreement was reached.”

Jake Sullivan, national security adviser under Democrat Joe Biden, also praised Trump during an interview on CNN, saying:

“I give credit to President Trump. The question is, can we make sure this sticks as we go forward?”

Challenges Ahead

Despite the celebration, key issues remain unresolved — including Hamas’s refusal to disarm and Israel’s lack of a full withdrawal pledge from Gaza, raising doubts about the durability of the truce.

Aware of the fragile situation, Trump urged Middle Eastern leaders to build on the momentum:

“We have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to put the old feuds and bitter hatreds behind us,” he said in Sharm El-Sheikh.

The summit ended with the signing of a joint declaration on Gaza, earning Trump another round of applause.

Yet, as he boarded Air Force One to depart the region, analysts noted that the Middle East — and the peace process he reignited — is likely far from finished with Donald Trump.

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