Table of Contents
- Trump Announces Major Progress in Gaza Talks
- Rubio’s Secret Note Sparks Speculation
- What’s on Trump’s Middle East Itinerary?
- Backstory: Two Years of Devastation
- Key Players Behind the Scenes
- What Happens Next?
- Sources
Trump Announces Major Progress in Gaza Talks
President Donald Trump dropped a geopolitical bombshell on Wednesday, declaring that negotiations to end the two-year war in Gaza are “going very well.” Speaking from the White House, Trump hinted that a ceasefire—and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas—could be just days away.
“I may go there,” Trump said, initially suggesting a Sunday departure before quickly amending it to Saturday evening. “I’ll be going to Egypt,” he added, confirming his intent to personally oversee what could be a historic diplomatic milestone.
Rubio’s Secret Note Sparks Speculation
The president’s optimism wasn’t just rhetoric. During a public event in the East Room, Secretary of State Marco Rubio handed Trump a handwritten note that read: “Negotiators in Egypt are very close.” The note, captured by an Associated Press photographer, urged Trump to “approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first.”
This rare public glimpse into high-stakes diplomacy has fueled speculation that a deal may be finalized imminently. Analysts say the urgency in Rubio’s note suggests both sides—Israel and Hamas—are nearing agreement on core terms, including the phased release of hostages and a temporary truce.
What’s on Trump’s Middle East Itinerary?
While Egypt is confirmed as Trump’s first stop—where U.S.-backed talks are taking place—he hinted at a broader tour. “I’ll be making the rounds,” he said, suggesting possible visits to Israel to witness the release of hostages, both living and deceased.
Perhaps most surprisingly, Trump didn’t rule out stepping into the ruins of Gaza itself. “I may do that,” he said, despite obvious security concerns. Such a move would be unprecedented for a sitting U.S. president and could signal a dramatic shift in American engagement with the Palestinian territories.
Backstory: Two Years of Devastation
The conflict began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed approximately 1,100 people. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza that, according to international estimates, has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and left much of the enclave in ruins.
Efforts to broker peace have repeatedly stalled—until now. Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which prioritizes hostage release as its first step, appears to be gaining unexpected traction.
Key Players Behind the Scenes
While Trump takes center stage, much of the legwork is being handled by two key figures:
- Steve Witkoff – Trump’s special envoy, leading direct negotiations in Cairo.
- Jared Kushner – The president’s son-in-law and seasoned Middle East negotiator, reprising his role from the first Trump administration.
Both are working alongside Arab mediators and Egyptian officials to finalize terms acceptable to Israel and Hamas—a notoriously difficult balancing act.
What Happens Next?
If Trump does travel to the region this weekend, the world will be watching closely. A successful ceasefire would mark one of the most significant foreign policy achievements of his second term—and potentially reshape U.S. influence in the Middle East.
However, experts caution that last-minute obstacles could still derail the deal. Trust remains fragile, and both sides have walked away from near-agreements in the past.
Sources
The New York Times: Trump Says Gaza Talks Are Going ‘Very Well’ and Will Visit Middle East
