October 10, 2025

Since Donald Trump came back as U.S. President, he dreamed of making peace and being remembered as a great peacemaker. But two big fights—the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza—kept getting in his way. Now, Trump is close to a stunning breakthrough that could change the Middle East drama. He helped create a deal aimed to end the fierce Gaza conflict that started over two years ago when Hamas attacked Israel, causing thousands of deaths, mostly Palestinians. At a lively White House Cabinet meeting on October 9, 2025, Trump proudly said this deal is "something that people said was never going to be done" and called it a step toward an "everlasting peace." He cheered, "Everything came together," highlighting his image as a top dealmaker, a title from his New York real estate days. Trump's next move? A quick trip to the Middle East this weekend to seal the deal. He might attend a signing ceremony in Egypt—a key player in talks—and speak to Israel's parliament, the Knesset. But the road ahead is rocky. Israeli lawmakers need to approve the plan officially. Hamas must free hostages they took during the first attack, and Israel agrees to release some Palestinian prisoners. Plus, getting humanitarian aid into Gaza and forming a new local government will take hard work. Experts warn, though, that this is no full peace treaty. Aaron David Miller, a long-time Middle East advisor, said, "It is not a peace agreement. It is not a guaranteed end to the war." Still, he admitted it’s a big step because "something has happened here that breaks a two-year conflict and offers an alternative pathway." As if timed for drama, the Nobel Peace Prize announcement is set for Friday. Trump grandly hopes to win but remains humble, saying, "Whatever they do is fine... I didn't do it for that, I did it because I saved a lot of lives." Vice President JD Vance praised Trump in the Cabinet meeting, saying the president faced harsh attacks from the "fake news media" and that Trump’s different path is why they’re now here. Trump wasn’t a foreign policy expert before, and this time he leaned on friends like Steve Witkoff, a real estate buddy, and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law. Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave credit to Trump's earlier Middle East visits and meetings at the UN for pushing the deal forward. Even the Israeli Prime Minister apologized after Trump's urging for a strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar. World leaders responded with mixed feelings. Finnish President Alexander Stubb called the ceasefire deal “what diplomacy is at its best.” UN Chief António Guterres welcomed the ceasefire announcement but stayed cautious. French President Emmanuel Macron praised Trump and urged all sides to follow the deal strictly. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan thanked Trump for his political will. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz was more reserved, saying, "this is not really concluded." Trump confidently told his Cabinet he’s “settled seven wars or major conflicts” so far and the Gaza war is now "number eight." He also optimistically said, "I think [peace in Ukraine] is going to happen too." Can Trump really turn this ceasefire into lasting peace? Only time will tell in the fiery world of Middle East politics.

Read More at Thehindubusinessline →

Tags: Donald trump, Gaza ceasefire, Israel hamas conflict, Middle east peace, Marco rubio, International diplomacy,