Trump’s Middle East Gamble: Hero, Savior… or Chaos Ahead?

Olga Nesterova
Oct 13
5 min read

A Landmark Day in Tel Aviv

Two years — precisely 737 days — after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 terror attack that ignited the Gaza war, the conflict reached a pivotal turning point. Early this morning, the last 20 living Israeli hostages were released from Gaza. Their freedom came as part of a landmark cease-fire agreement that also saw the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The first buses carrying them began arriving in Ramallah today, marking the opening chapter of what could become a new Middle East reality.

A triumphant Donald Trump arrived in Tel Aviv aboard Air Force One, timing his landing to coincide with the first hostages’ return to Israel. Jubilant crowds filled Hostages Square, and Trump later addressed the Knesset, declaring the moment a military and diplomatic victory before departing for a summit in Egypt, where the deal was negotiated.

“Israel has won all that can be won by force of arms,” Trump said in prepared remarks released by the White House. “Now, it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East.”

His speech was briefly disrupted by shouting members of parliament, who were quickly escorted out.

The Homecoming: Tears, Flags, and Relief

A convoy of Red Cross vehicles escorted the freed hostages through Gaza and into southern Israel, where streets were lined with people waving flags. Doctors examined the men and provided them with care kits — laptops, mobile phones, and a personal note from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reading, “We have been waiting for you.”

Who was freed?

The 20 hostages, all men aged 21 to 48, included 28-year-old twins kidnapped from a kibbutz and the father of twin girls who had been released in an earlier exchange. The remains of 26 others killed in captivity will be returned soon. However, two hostages remain unaccounted for — their names absent from Hamas’ list — including a Nepali student whose fate is still unknown.

Palestinian Prisoners: A Controversial Trade

As part of the deal, Israel agreed to free 250 Palestinian prisoners, most serving life sentences for killing Israelis. Many are expected to be deported. “I feel a strong sense of relief and peace,” said Fuad Kamamji, father of one such prisoner, speaking to The Times.

The agreement also mandates the release of 1,700 detainees held since the outbreak of the war.

The Human Cost of War

The two-year conflict has left a devastating toll:

67,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza health officials — a figure Israel has not contested.
Nearly 2 million people displaced, many living in makeshift tent camps and enduring starvation.
In Israel, 1,200 people were killed and 250 abducted during the initial Hamas assault.
Around 1,000 Israeli soldiers have died in the fighting since.

While Israel erupted in celebration, Gaza remained somber. Roughly 200,000 Palestinians returned this weekend to areas vacated by Israeli troops — only to find flattened neighborhoods and scarce food. “There’s nothing to be happy about,” said Saed Abu Aita, 44. “My two daughters were killed, my home was destroyed, and my health has deteriorated.”

Honors and Hero Worship: Trump’s New Status in Israel

In recognition of his role, President Isaac Herzog announced that Donald Trump will receive Israel’s Presidential Medal of Honor, the country’s highest award.

“President Trump’s legacy will be remembered for generations,” Herzog said. “He not only helped bring our loved ones home but also laid the foundation for a new era in the Middle East.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu also presented Trump with a golden dove of peace, symbolizing the hoped-for future of the region.

Emotional Moments: “I Got My Life Back Thanks to You”

In a deeply emotional encounter, Trump and White House officials met with freed hostages and their families, listening to harrowing accounts of captivity. One survivor told Trump, “I got my life back thanks to you.”

Despite the overwhelming relief, the path forward remains unclear. The biggest question: Is the war truly over? Netanyahu has avoided using those words, but when asked by a reporter, Trump replied, “Yes, as far as I’m concerned, yes.”

Israel’s Next Steps: Demilitarization and Unanswered Questions

Israel’s defense minister signaled that the mission is far from over. Posting on X, he said:

“Israel’s great challenge after the hostages’ return will be the destruction of Hamas’ terror tunnels — by the IDF and through an international mechanism under U.S. supervision. This is key to demilitarizing Gaza and disarming Hamas. I have instructed the IDF to prepare.”

Trump Calls for Netanyahu Pardon

In a surprise unscripted moment during his Knesset speech, Trump urged Israel’s president to pardon Netanyahu.

“I have an idea — why don’t you give him a pardon?” Trump said. “Whether we like it or not, this has been one of the greatest wartime presidents. And cigars and champagne — who the hell cares about that?”

The comment immediately reignited debate over Netanyahu’s corruption trials and political future.

Global Legal Challenges: The ICC Question

One unresolved issue is the International Criminal Court’s genocide case against Israel. With the ceasefire underway and global attention shifting, its outcome remains uncertain — but it could shape Israel’s diplomatic future for years to come.

Trump Mania in Israel: “You Are Our Winner”

Across Israel, Trump was hailed as a national hero. In Jerusalem, a massive eight-foot billboard depicted him wearing a Nobel Prize-like medal with the caption: “You are our winner.” With Nobel nominations closing in January, Trump’s name is already being floated as a potential contender.

Looking Ahead: A Fragile Peace and a Global Summit

As the world turns its attention to the summit in Egypt, where 20 world leaders are expected — including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas — major decisions await. Netanyahu declined to attend, citing a Jewish holiday, and Hamas will not participate.

Discussions are expected to focus on Trump’s long-term Gaza plan, including the creation of a stabilization force in the enclave. While the deal bars Hamas from political power, the group has strengthened its internal grip since the ceasefire.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio blamed Britain and France for earlier peace breakdowns, accusing them of derailing talks by recognizing a Palestinian state.

Humanitarian Relief: A Small but Significant Step

On the ground, the first signs of recovery are visible. Cooking oil, frozen meat, and fresh fruit are entering Gaza again. Seventeen bakeries resumed operations this morning. “Today is better than yesterday,” said the head of the bakers’ union. “And tomorrow will hopefully be better.”

Conclusion: A New Chapter — Or a Pause Before the Next Conflict?

The release of hostages, the return of detainees, and Trump’s dramatic return to the Middle East mark an inflection point in one of the world’s most entrenched conflicts. But beneath the celebrations and soaring rhetoric lie unanswered questions — about disarmament, justice, governance, and accountability.

Whether this moment becomes a lasting peace or merely a temporary pause depends not only on the decisions made in the coming days but also on the will of leaders — and peoples — on both sides to forge a new future from the ashes of the past.