Donald Trump arrived in Israel to launch the first phase of the Gaza peace agreement

US President Donald Trump arrived in Israel on a visit that marked the culmination of intense diplomatic efforts to achieve a long-awaited peace settlement in the Gaza Strip. His arrival comes against the backdrop of crucial announcements about the agreement of Israel and Hamas to the first phase of a US-proposed plan to resolve the long-standing conflict.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to the Israeli publication The Times of Israel, the American leader's plane landed at Ben Gurion International Airport. He was personally greeted at the airport by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, which emphasizes the high status and significance of the visit. Among the arrivals were also Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump, her husband Jared Kushner, and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who are credited with a key role in the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. During his brief stay in Israel, Donald Trump plans to meet with the families of hostages held by Hamas and deliver an address to the Israeli parliament - the Knesset.

After Israel, the American leader will travel to Egypt, where he will participate in a summit and is expected to attend the signing ceremony of the document on the first phase of the peace agreement in the Gaza Strip. Earlier, on the night of October 9, Donald Trump announced that an agreement had been reached between the Israeli authorities and Hamas on the US-proposed plan for conflict resolution. The first stage of this plan provides for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, as well as a partial withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the conflict zone. The office of Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed that the Israeli government has approved this first phase of the deal, which opens the way for potential de-escalation and a long-term peace process in the long-suffering region.