Donald Trump is expected to touch down in Israel on Monday, October 13th, around 9 a.m. His visit follows the recent and important ceasefire announcement, brokered by the United States. Upon his arrival, Trump will be greeted with a formal ceremony at Ben Gurion Airport, marking a pivotal moment in ongoing Middle East discussions.
It is noised about this trip that Trump will not be going to Gaza. His presence in the region is expected to be substantial, supported by a military team of 200 personnel deployed to oversee the truce. This team will include members of the U.S. military’s Central Command, led by Admiral Brad Cooper, and officials from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and potentially the United Arab Emirates.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed appreciation to U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. This show of appreciation followed a government council meeting that approved the U.S.-brokered agreement. This new deal aims to free at least 250 Palestinian prisoners serving multiple life sentences. At present some 290 Palestinians – including 40 women and over 40 minors – are detained in Israeli prisons.
The backdrop of Trump’s visit includes the devastating aftermath of Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Over 1,200 of those, mostly civilians, were killed in the unprecedented attack, while more than 251 others were taken captive. Gaza’s health ministry reports a catastrophic humanitarian toll from the relentless bombardment of Gaza. More than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed so far and almost 170,000 injured.
As a part of the ceasefire agreement, the international community is once again gearing up to deliver humanitarian assistance. An estimated 600 aid trucks will be permitted to travel from southern Gaza to the northern regions via Salah al-Din and al-Rashid streets. This U.S. initiative is good, but it’s not nearly enough to address the catastrophic humanitarian needs in the region.
Tom Fletcher, former UK special envoy on humanitarian issues in conflict, underscored the imperative of swift and safe humanitarian delivery.
“Our major priority is to get that aid to civilians where it is most needed. Here in Gaza, as everywhere, we have to work in a neutral, impartial, independent, principled way.” – Tom Fletcher
He reiterated the urgency of breaking down barriers to access, so that we can get to communities that truly need it most.
“We have fought and beaten famines before, and we will do it again this time.” – Tom Fletcher
Yvette Cooper, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, clarified that there are no plans for British or European troops to enter Gaza following the ceasefire agreement.
“That’s not our plan; there’s no plans to do that.” – Yvette Cooper
International discussions regarding an “international security force” are ongoing, with the UK continuing its contributions through humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts. Friedrich Merz’s statement reflected Germany’s significant role in providing humanitarian assistance to the recovery of Gaza.
“We are providing 29 million euros for humanitarian aid. Together with Egypt, we will invite to a reconstruction conference for Gaza.” – Friedrich Merz
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached critical levels.
“The humanitarian needs in Gaza are catastrophic; people need food, water, medicine, but more than anything, people need the fighting to stop and a chance to heal.” – Béatrice Butsana-Sita