In partnership with
In a dramatic turn of diplomacy, U.S. President Donald Trump announced what he called “the end of the Gaza war” and the beginning of “a new era of peace in the Middle East.”
Speaking before the Israeli Knesset, just hours after the release of the last remaining Israeli hostages from Gaza, Trump outlined a sweeping vision for regional stability—one that could even extend to peace with Iran, a move that would mark one of the most consequential geopolitical shifts of the century.
“This is not just the end of war—it’s the end of an age of terror and death,” Trump declared to a packed chamber. “Israel has achieved all that can be won by force. Now is the time to win through peace, prosperity, and partnership.”
A New Chapter for Israel — and the Middle East
Trump’s message to Israeli lawmakers was both congratulatory and cautionary. He hailed Israel’s military success in Gaza but urged its leaders to recognize that “victory through arms has limits.”
The president emphasized that his administration’s goal was now to translate battlefield triumph into a durable political settlement. He said the U.S. would guarantee that Hamas cannot return to power in Gaza while pushing for Palestinian self-rule through a new technocratic government supported by Arab and Western nations.
According to Trump, “Israel’s security is no longer in question. What matters now is ensuring peace for future generations.”
Trump’s Peace Summit: Building a Post-War Gaza
Immediately after his Knesset address, Trump traveled to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to co-host a global peace summit with Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi. The high-level meeting brought together 20+ world leaders—including delegations from Turkey, Qatar, France, and the U.K.—to finalize what’s being called the “Gaza Reconstruction and Peace Accord.”
Trump confirmed that Phase Two of his Middle East peace plan is already underway: the physical and economic reconstruction of Gaza.
“You look at Gaza—it’s debris times ten,” Trump said. “But we’re going to rebuild it. Phase two is cleaning up, rebuilding, and restoring hope.”
Estimates place reconstruction costs above $30 billion, with much of the funding expected from wealthy Gulf states. The United States will oversee the coordination of these efforts through a new “Board of Peace” chaired personally by Trump, alongside President Sisi and possibly former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair as an adviser.
Reconciliation and Regional Diplomacy
In one of the summit’s most symbolic moments, Trump met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas—their first handshake in eight years. The meeting marked a thaw in U.S.-Palestinian relations after years of tension.
“It’s a very good signal,” said French President Emmanuel Macron, who attended the summit. “It recognizes the Palestinian Authority as a legitimate partner and supports the path toward a two-state solution.”
Macron stressed that the West Bank must remain part of the peace process, warning against “forgetting the connection between Gaza and the West Bank.” He pledged European support for Palestinian elections within a year and additional funding for civil police training in Gaza.
Security Challenges Ahead
While optimism was high in Sharm el-Sheikh, diplomats and security officials warned of serious challenges. Plans for an international stabilization force—likely including troops from Turkey, Indonesia, and Egypt—are still being finalized.
European powers, including France and the UK, are backing the initiative and calling for a UN mandate similar to the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
However, Israel has made clear it will not fully withdraw its forces until Hamas is disarmed and Gaza’s tunnel network dismantled.
Hamas leaders, excluded from the summit, said they are open to disarmament “under Palestinian command” but not under Israeli oversight. Analysts say that unless the stabilization force deploys quickly, security vacuums could reignite tensions within months.
Trump’s Pitch to Iran and the Arab World
Perhaps the most surprising element of Trump’s new peace initiative is his claim that Iran “is ready for peace.”
In his speech, Trump signaled that he intends to open direct diplomatic channels with Tehran, calling for “a regional reconciliation that ends decades of hostility.”
He also urged remaining Arab nations to join the Abraham Accords without delay, suggesting that full regional normalization could follow the Gaza settlement.
“Let’s do it quickly, without games,” Trump told reporters. “This is the time to end division and open a new chapter of peace.”
If successful, the move could usher in a Middle East Peace Era where former adversaries—including Iran and Israel—engage in economic and security cooperation unseen since before the 1979 revolution.
Global Reaction: Hope, Skepticism, and Cautious Support
Reaction from world capitals has been mixed but largely hopeful.
European Union diplomats called the plan “ambitious but overdue.”
Qatar and Turkey expressed cautious support, noting the need for Arab-led oversight in Gaza.
The United Nations welcomed the ceasefire but urged “swift humanitarian action” to address Gaza’s devastation.
Even critics concede that the release of all hostages and a sustained truce represent a major diplomatic breakthrough—one that could define Trump’s legacy heading into 2026.
The Road Ahead
Trump concluded his speech by declaring, “Gaza will be demobilized, Hamas will be disarmed, and Israel’s security will be permanent.”
Whether this bold promise can hold amid political divisions, regional rivalries, and the enormous task of rebuilding Gaza remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain—the Trump Middle East peace plan 2025 has reshaped the conversation about war, diplomacy, and the future of the region.
Key Takeaways
Trump declares official end to the Gaza war and calls it “a new dawn for the Middle East.”
Gaza reconstruction plan launched — $30B pledged from Arab and Western partners.
Peace summit in Egypt unites 20+ leaders to back Gaza self-rule and rebuilding.
Palestinian Authority returns to talks; Abbas meets Trump for first time in 8 years.
Trump signals peace with Iran and pushes rapid Abraham Accords expansion.
EU backs two-state solution, warning Gaza peace must include the West Bank.
Business news doesn’t have to be boring
Morning Brew makes business news way more enjoyable—and way easier to understand. The free newsletter breaks down the latest in business, tech, and finance with smart insights, bold takes, and a tone that actually makes you want to keep reading.
No jargon, no drawn-out analysis, no snooze-fests. Just the stuff you need to know, delivered with a little personality.
Over 4 million people start their day with Morning Brew, and once you try it, you’ll see why.
Plus, it takes just 15 seconds to subscribe—so why not give it a shot?