INTERNATIONAL: Trump Claims ‘Brought Peace with God’s Blessings’ on Gaza Deal
A dramatic breakthrough in the Middle East has captured global attention as U.S. President Donald Trump announced the first phase of a Gaza peace agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The deal, unveiled late on October 8, 2025, includes hostage releases and a temporary ceasefire, marking a potential turning point after two years of intense conflict.
Yet, as Trump eyes the Nobel Peace Prize announcement just hours away, questions linger about the sustainability of this fragile accord.
The Secret Note That Sparked Joy
During a White House roundtable on domestic issues, Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a swift entrance, slipping a handwritten note into Trump’s hand and whispering urgently.
The message sought approval to post on Truth Social about the impending deal.
Moments later, Trump beamed, later sharing that the words felt like a long-awaited validation for his peace efforts.
He promptly posted, “With God’s blessing, I brought peace,” crediting divine intervention and his relentless push.
Pressuring Netanyahu Behind Closed Doors
Trump’s role, though pivotal, leaned heavily on quiet diplomacy with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
On September 29, during Netanyahu’s White House visit, Trump outlined a 20-point peace blueprint developed with input from Arab and Muslim leaders.
Publicly supportive, he privately issued a stern warning: accept the plan or face isolation.
Frustrated by Israeli strikes on Hamas figures in Qatar, Trump highlighted Arab unity to sway Netanyahu, even scripting an Oval Office apology from the Qatari leader to ease tensions.
- Key concessions from Israel: Halt to bombings in Gaza City and agreement on transitional governance for Gaza.
- Visual proof: The White House released images of Netanyahu on a call, underscoring Trump’s hands-on involvement.
Trump later told reporters, “Bibi, this is your chance to win. You have no other choice. You will be fine if you are with me.”
Setting a Firm Deadline for Hamas
Trump adopted an equally firm stance with Hamas, issuing an ultimatum on October 3 for acceptance by October 5, 2025, or they would face severe repercussions.
The group relented, agreeing to release all Israeli hostages, living and deceased, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and aid inflows.
Indirect talks in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh finalized the initial phase, with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner sealing technical details.
Hamas praised mediators, including Qatar, Egypt, and Trump, for bridging divides.
Global Echoes and Unresolved Hurdles
The agreement has drawn widespread acclaim, with joint statements from Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, and others hailing Trump’s vision.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas expressed hope for a permanent solution, including a state along 1967 borders.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid even urged the Nobel Committee to honor Trump.
Still, details remain vague: Hamas insists on full Israeli withdrawal and no disarmament, while broader issues like Gaza’s long-term governance and West Bank annexation loom large.
Noble Hopes on the Horizon
This timing could not be more poignant, coming just before the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize reveal on October 10.
Trump, who has openly coveted the award for past accords like the Abraham Accords, now touts this as his crowning achievement.
The White House dubbed him the “Peace President,” fueling speculation.
Among 338 nominees, will this deal tip the scales? Observers note the prize often favors enduring impact over swift wins, leaving the outcome tantalizingly uncertain.
As talks progress to subsequent phases, the world watches whether Trump’s bold gambit fosters lasting stability or unravels under pressure.
For families of hostages and war-weary civilians, every step toward calm carries profound weight.