"The war is over" – Trump declares Gaza ceasefire amid hostage release drama. But will this fragile peace hold?
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Trump Takes a Controversial Victory Lap – What Really Happened Behind the Scenes?
Published at 02:33 BST
Before jetting off to Israel aboard Air Force One, Donald Trump made bold claims about his role in brokering peace. The BBC’s State Department correspondent, Tom Bateman, breaks down Trump’s frenetic pre-flight media blitz—where self-praise and geopolitical optimism collided. But here’s the question: Is this truly a diplomatic breakthrough, or just another chapter in Trump’s legacy-building playbook?
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Trump’s Bombshell Remarks Before Middle East Trip: Nobel Dreams, Netanyahu Praise, and a Stunning Qatar Reversal
Published at 02:17 BST
Standing on the tarmac, Trump delivered a whirlwind of soundbites that left reporters scrambling. Key takeaways:
- "The war is over": Trump insists the Gaza ceasefire will hold (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn409y125v3o), doubling down with, "I’m good at solving wars. I’m good at making peace." Critics argue this overlooks simmering tensions.
- Netanyahu bromance: Despite past friction, Trump now calls the Israeli PM a "wartime president" who "did a very good job." But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this praise warranted, or a political calculation?
- Qatar’s redemption arc: In a stunning U-turn from his 2017 terrorism accusations, Trump now says Qatar deserves "credit" for its mediation role. "They were amazing," he gushed.
- Nobel ambitions: Trump casually name-dropped the Gaza conflict as the "eighth war I’ve solved," adding, "I did this for saving lives"—not the prize. Skeptics are already rolling their eyes.
- Pakistan-Afghanistan punt: Asked about another volatile region, Trump shrugged: "It’ll have to wait till I get back." Priorities, anyone?
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UK Pledges £20M Gaza Aid Package—But Is It Enough?
Published at 01:53 BST
Photos reveal UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arriving in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh for a high-stakes summit on Gaza. His mission: Announce a £20M aid package for water, sanitation, and hygiene services—part of a larger £116M pledge for Palestinians this year.
Starmer’s prepared remarks strike a hopeful tone: "Today marks the first step toward ending this war… We must now deliver the second phase." Yet, with Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins, some argue this funding is a drop in the ocean. What do YOU think—should wealthy nations do more?
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Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square Prepares for Emotional Broadcast
Published at 01:33 BST
In Tel Aviv, giant screens at Hostages Square will soon broadcast live updates as Hamas releases captives. This symbolic site has hosted months of rallies demanding freedom for those held in Gaza. The Hostages and Missing Families group vows to stay open "in real time," calling tonight a "yellow all-nighter"—a nod to the ribbons symbolizing their anguish.
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IDF Reveals Hostage Handover Plan: A Race Against Time
Published at 01:21 BST
Jerusalem reporter Alice Cuddy details the IDF’s meticulous protocol for today’s hostage return:
- Red Cross transfers hostages to a specialized IDF unit
- Transport to Re’im military base
- Emotional reunions at reception points (families waiting)
- Helicopters rush survivors to hospitals
"Urgent cases will skip reunions for direct hospital evacuation," an official confirms. With 20 living hostages and 28 bodies expected, every second counts.
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Trump’s High-Stakes Middle East Gamble
Published at 01:10 BST
North America correspondent Peter Bowes analyzes Trump’s risky trip. Fresh off ceasefire accolades, Trump boasted mid-flight: "Everybody’s cheering… It’s never happened before!" He even teased a new "Board of Peace" to oversee Gaza’s "demolition site." But critics warn: Celebrating too soon could backfire if violence reignites.
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Ceasefire’s Make-or-Break Moment: Hostages for Prisoners
Published at 01:05 BST
Today’s hostage release is a fragile milestone after two years of war. In exchange, Israel will free 250 Palestinian prisoners—including lifers—plus 1,700+ detainees held without charge. Meanwhile, Gaza’s displaced return to apocalyptic scenes in the north. As Trump heads to Israel, one question lingers: Is this the start of lasting peace, or a temporary truce? Sound off in the comments!
