Trump expected to visit Jerusalem on Sunday amid Israel–Hamas ceasefire deal

Jerusalem: Preparations are under way in Israel for the expected arrival of US President Donald Trump on Sunday, following his announcement that Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage release agreement – a development officials are calling a potential turning point in the nearly two-year Gaza war.

Visit linked to ceasefire deal

The office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog confirmed on Thursday that Trump is “expected in Jerusalem on Sunday,” Reuters reported. In light of the upcoming visit and “the expected release of the hostages,” an event scheduled at the Israeli president’s residence that day has been cancelled.

“The decision was made due to anticipated security closures in Jerusalem surrounding the visit and the historic developments unfolding in the coming days,” Herzog’s office said in a statement.

While the president’s itinerary remains undisclosed, Israeli and American officials have yet to release an official confirmation. According to Israel’s Kan public broadcaster, Trump is tentatively scheduled to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport around 3 p.m. on Sunday, where he may attend ceremonies at the Knesset and the Western Wall before departing later that night.

First phase of Gaza peace plan

Trump’s trip comes after Israel and Hamas agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire that forms the “first phase” of his wider Middle East peace initiative. The deal was reached after indirect talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, and aims to halt fighting, enable the release of Israeli hostages, and bring humanitarian relief to Gaza.

Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas will free all remaining hostages seized during its October 7, 2023 attack, while Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including those held since the war began.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the ceasefire would take effect once ratified by the government. Hostages are expected to be released within 72 hours of the truce taking hold.

Trump had earlier said, “We’ll be leaving, probably on Sunday, maybe Saturday,” suggesting he would travel to the Middle East once the agreement was finalised.

Humanitarian aid and outstanding issues

The agreement allows aid convoys carrying food, medical supplies, and fuel to enter Gaza, offering some relief to civilians displaced by months of bombardment.

However, several issues remain unresolved — including the final list of prisoners to be released and future governance arrangements for Gaza. Further stages of Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which outline the territory’s postwar status and the future of Hamas, are yet to be discussed.

Netanyahu’s call and invitation to Trump

Following the announcement of the deal, Netanyahu reportedly held an “emotional and warm” phone conversation with Trump, during which he invited the US president to address the Knesset. It remains unclear whether Trump accepted the invitation.

In a separate letter, Israel’s Hostages and Missing Families Forum also invited Trump to speak at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. “We would be deeply honored if you would meet with us during your upcoming visit to Israel,” the letter read. “We simply need the opportunity to look you in the eye and express what words alone cannot fully convey: that you gave us back our families, and with them, our hope.”

Trump has yet to respond publicly to the request.

Hostage exchange details

In an interview with Fox News’ “Hannity,” Trump said that the 48 hostages still held in Gaza would “probably be released on Monday,” crediting his administration’s “tremendous help” in finalising the deal.

Israeli officials say 47 of the remaining hostages were abducted during Hamas’s October 7 assault, with 20 believed to be alive. The bodies of at least 26 hostages, including an IDF soldier killed in Gaza in 2014, are still being held.

A senior Hamas official told media outlets that Israel would release nearly 2,000 Palestinian security prisoners in exchange for the approximately 20 living hostages. The list reportedly includes 250 individuals convicted of terrorism and serving life sentences, along with 1,700 others detained since the start of the conflict.

Tight security in Jerusalem

Israeli authorities are implementing strict security measures ahead of Trump’s expected visit, with road closures and heightened patrols anticipated around key sites in Jerusalem.

(With inputs from AFP)