"All Hostages Secured... Will Visit in Person"
Hints at Hamas Disarmament in Second Phase of Gaza Peace Initiative
"World Offers Praise" as Trump Shows Desire for Nobel Peace Prize
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on October 9 (local time) that, in connection with the agreement between Israel and Palestinian Hamas on the first phase of the 'Gaza Peace Initiative,' 20 Israeli hostages held by Hamas are scheduled to be released around the 13th.
At a Cabinet meeting at the White House that day, President Trump stated, "Last night, we achieved a major breakthrough in the Middle East." He added, "Many said this could never be done," and continued, "We have ended the war in Gaza and achieved peace on a larger scale. I hope this peace will last forever."
He explained, "The release of all remaining hostages has been secured," and said the hostages "will be released on Monday (the 13th) or Tuesday (the 14th)." He also noted, "Bringing back the hostages is a very complex process," but declined to provide further details.
President Trump went on to emphasize, "That day will be a day of joy," and stated, "I plan to visit in person."
This is interpreted as an expression of his intention to visit Egypt, where ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas are underway, to be directly involved in the implementation of the agreement and the process of releasing the hostages.
Regarding the direction of the second phase of the agreement, President Trump said, "We will pursue disarmament, and many things will happen going forward," indicating the disarmament of Hamas.
When asked by reporters about his position on the 'two-state solution,' which envisions the coexistence of Israel and a Palestinian state, he replied that he had no particular view and said, "I will follow whatever they agree upon."
President Trump also mentioned that Iran has expressed support for the Gaza Peace Initiative and said, "We will cooperate with Iran." However, he confirmed that strong sanctions against Iran remain in place and emphasized, "I hope they rebuild their country, but they cannot have nuclear weapons."
President Trump also actively highlighted his role as a mediator.
He stated, "All Americans should be proud of our country's role in ending this terrible war," adding, "We have ended seven wars so far, and this is the eighth." He continued, "I will soon head to the Middle East, and I am very honored to be involved in this effort," and said, "People are extremely pleased with this. I have never seen the world offer such praise."
This is interpreted as an effort to highlight his achievements with the Nobel Peace Prize announcement scheduled for the 10th. President Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Regarding the war between Russia and Ukraine, where ceasefire talks have stalled, President Trump said, "I thought it would end the fastest," and predicted, "That will also be resolved."
The previous day, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement on the first phase of the Gaza Peace Initiative led by President Trump. After announcing a 20-point Gaza Peace Initiative at the end of last month, he has been pressing Israel and Hamas for a swift agreement. With both sides agreeing to the Gaza Peace Initiative, the release of 20 Israeli hostages held by Hamas is expected to take place soon. The Israeli military will gradually withdraw its forces.
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