Trump heads to Israel as Hamas prepares to free Israeli hostages from October 7 attacks after peace deal negotiations
Washington: US President Donald Trump spoke at length to reporters as he flew to Israel ahead of the expected release of hostages held by Hamas for more than two years.
He was as optimistic as ever about the future of the peace agreement he helped implement, citing the “verbal guarantees” he had received and his belief that foreign leaders would not want to disappoint him.
Asked about previous enthusiasm for real estate developers to create a ‘Middle Eastern Riviera’ along Gaza’s waterfront real estate, Trump downplayed expectations for a quick turnaround.
“I haven’t known about Riviera in a while. Because look at what you’ve got; you’ve got to take care of the people first,” he said.
“They’re going to have to start by removing a lot of the structures that you see… this place is devastated, it’s like a demolition area. That process will start right away.”
President Donald Trump is preparing to board Air Force One on Sunday.Credit: access point
US President Donald Trump ascends the stairs of Air Force One for his flight to the Middle East.Credit: access point
Trump said he didn’t think the International Stabilization Force, a multinational peacekeeping effort expected to oversee the ceasefire under U.S. supervision, would be of much use.
“People will show their manners, everyone knows their place,” he said. “Whether it is Jewish, Muslim or Arab countries, everyone is happy; every country is dancing in the streets.”
The president was also unimpressed by reports that Hamas was acting as a quasi-police force in parts of Gaza, with clashes breaking out between security forces and other fighters.
“I think it’ll be fine. Who knows for sure, but I think it’ll be fine.”
