US President Donald Trump has declared that his administration’s immediate priority in the Gaza conflict is the reconstruction of the war-torn territory, sidestepping questions about a two-state solution during a press briefing aboard Air Force One. This statement came hours after he joined world leaders in Egypt to sign a ceasefire agreement that has already facilitated the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, marking a potential turning point in the two-year war.
The ceasefire deal, brokered by Trump, was formalized at a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where leaders from countries including Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar committed to implementing a 20-point peace plan. Key developments include Hamas handing over all 20 living hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, as well as the return of four deceased hostages’ bodies. Israel, however, insists that the remains of 24 others must be repatriated without delay, as stipulated in the agreement, with the first phase seeing a ceasefire take effect on October 10 and Israeli troops withdrawing to control 53% of Gaza.
Trump’s emphasis on rebuilding Gaza over addressing statehood solutions highlights a shift in US foreign policy approach. When asked about Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s call for a two-state solution, Trump responded, ‘I’m not talking about single state or double state or two state. We’re talking about the rebuilding of Gaza,’ indicating a focus on practical, immediate efforts rather than entrenched political debates. This stance reflects the administration’s view that reconstruction could pave the way for stability, though it avoids the divisive issue of Palestinian sovereignty that has long complicated peace efforts.
The Trump plan outlines a phased approach to Gaza’s future, including the deployment of a multinational force of about 200 troops overseen by the US military to monitor the ceasefire, with no American forces on the ground. Governance will initially be handled by a temporary committee of Palestinian technocrats supervised by a ‘Board of Peace’ chaired by Trump, with eventual handover to the Palestinian Authority after reforms. Hamas, which seized control of Gaza in 2007, is expected to play no role in governance, and the territory is to be demilitarized, with all military infrastructure destroyed.
Despite these steps, significant challenges remain, such as Hamas’s historical refusal to disarm and the vague timeline for full Israeli withdrawal. The plan indicates further Israeli pullbacks to 40% and then 15% of Gaza, but the final security perimeter could persist indefinitely, raising concerns about permanent Israeli control. Hamas has previously linked disarmament to the establishment of a Palestinian state, and its initial response to the deal did not mention laying down weapons, suggesting potential obstacles in negotiating later phases of the agreement.
In the broader context, Trump’s comments underscore the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where humanitarian and security concerns often overshadow political resolutions. The United Nations Development Programme reports that over 80% of buildings in Gaza are destroyed or damaged, emphasizing the urgency of reconstruction. Meanwhile, the release of prisoners and hostages has sparked celebrations in Palestinian areas and relief in Israel, but the path forward requires delicate diplomacy to address unresolved issues like aid distribution and the Rafah border crossing’s reopening.
Looking ahead, the success of this ceasefire and reconstruction initiative will hinge on sustained international cooperation and compromises from all sides. Trump’s focus on rebuilding could foster short-term stability, but the unresolved statehood question may resurface, potentially reigniting tensions. As negotiations progress, the world will watch whether this deal can evolve into a lasting peace, with next steps involving detailed talks on governance, security, and the return of all hostage remains to bring closure to affected families.