Ceasefire imminent as Trump plans trip for Gaza peace signing

The Israeli government has endorsed the first phase of the agreement, which Hamas has already accepted.

(NBC)- Smoke still rose over Gaza early this morning — even as Israelis and Palestinians began celebrating the approval of a long-awaited ceasefire and peace deal. The Israeli government has endorsed the first phase of the agreement, which Hamas has already accepted and President Donald Trump helped broker.

“I think it’s going to be a lasting peace — hopefully, an everlasting peace,” President Trump said.

The president plans to travel to Egypt this weekend for a formal signing ceremony and the return of remaining hostages — about 20 people believed to still be alive after two years in Hamas captivity.

“They should be released on Monday or Tuesday,” Trump added. “Getting them is a complicated process.”

The deal requires Hamas to disarm and relinquish power, a key sticking point for future progress. Lawmakers in Washington are responding with cautious optimism. “What we need is bipartisan support for the peace process, which will be fraught with obstacles,” added Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D–Conn.).

President Trump emphasized that no one in Gaza will be forced to leave, promising a U.S.-backed rebuilding effort supported by neighboring nations.

“We’re going to create something where people can live. You can’t live right now in Gaza,” he said.

According to U.S. officials, the Pentagon is preparing to send up to 200 troops to Israel to support aid distribution and ensure stability — but no American boots will be deployed inside Gaza. Secretary of State Marco Rubio credited recent diplomatic momentum — including Trump’s push at the UN General Assembly and a White House meeting with Israel’s prime minister — for bringing both sides to the table and delivering a final ultimatum to Hamas.