US President Donald Trump's day-long trip to the Middle East came as the Gaza deal was clinched: an agreement coming into force amounting to one of the most critical moments yet after two years of catastrophic war. Painting as he does in primary colours, Trump's portrayal was vivid - of the biggest turning point in three millennia. On the return flight in the early hours of Tuesday, he reflected that it had been a 'historic day, to put it mildly'. He had earlier suggested 'everlasting peace' had been grasped under his tutelage, in a region long convulsed by violence.
As part of the White House press corps, we were travelling on Air Force One – which is how I found myself at the centre of this US diplomatic tornado. As we headed for Tel Aviv, the presidential plane took a turn to do a fly-by of the beach. It dipped a wing so we could get a view of a giant sign atop the sand that said 'thank you' to Trump, and featured the Israeli flag as well as an outline of the US president's head in profile.
The manoeuvre set the mood for a trip that was a victory lap, rather than an exercise in setting out the punishing detail for starting 'phase two' of the negotiations and securing a longer-term future for Gaza. The agreement made in Doha last week was under intensive pressure from Trump. It marked one of the most profound moments for millions of people in the last two years: major combat operations in Gaza ceased, the remaining living hostages held by Hamas were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, and Palestinians in Gaza returned to the ruins of their homes in the north amid a partial withdrawal by Israeli troops.
But Trump’s journey was in fact to a waypoint, not a destination - a fragile truce in a century-old conflict which shows no real signs of being solved.
The most immediate question hanging over the trip was whether Trump’s deal could hold - and whether more intensive, arguably harder, negotiations could now build on it. During the flight, Trump highlighted the sense of achievement, stating, 'Every country is dancing in the streets.' However, he glossed over crucial questions about the governance of Gaza and the proposed multinational stabilization force.
Greeting Trump with a military band, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set the tone for the visit as thousands in Tel Aviv celebrated the release of hostages. Despite the jubilant atmosphere, serious tensions and uncertainties in the region persist, which will require more than one man's efforts to resolve.
As part of the White House press corps, we were travelling on Air Force One – which is how I found myself at the centre of this US diplomatic tornado. As we headed for Tel Aviv, the presidential plane took a turn to do a fly-by of the beach. It dipped a wing so we could get a view of a giant sign atop the sand that said 'thank you' to Trump, and featured the Israeli flag as well as an outline of the US president's head in profile.
The manoeuvre set the mood for a trip that was a victory lap, rather than an exercise in setting out the punishing detail for starting 'phase two' of the negotiations and securing a longer-term future for Gaza. The agreement made in Doha last week was under intensive pressure from Trump. It marked one of the most profound moments for millions of people in the last two years: major combat operations in Gaza ceased, the remaining living hostages held by Hamas were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, and Palestinians in Gaza returned to the ruins of their homes in the north amid a partial withdrawal by Israeli troops.
But Trump’s journey was in fact to a waypoint, not a destination - a fragile truce in a century-old conflict which shows no real signs of being solved.
The most immediate question hanging over the trip was whether Trump’s deal could hold - and whether more intensive, arguably harder, negotiations could now build on it. During the flight, Trump highlighted the sense of achievement, stating, 'Every country is dancing in the streets.' However, he glossed over crucial questions about the governance of Gaza and the proposed multinational stabilization force.
Greeting Trump with a military band, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set the tone for the visit as thousands in Tel Aviv celebrated the release of hostages. Despite the jubilant atmosphere, serious tensions and uncertainties in the region persist, which will require more than one man's efforts to resolve.
