Donald John Trump, the 47th and current President of the United States, serving his second non-consecutive term, has hinted at a potential visit to the Middle East following the recent release of hostages under a US-mediated ceasefire and exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas.
During a joint press conference at the White House on Tuesday with Oracle CTO Larry Ellison, Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, and Open AI CEO Sam Altman, Trump credited his administration’s efforts for the deal’s success.
“We’re thinking about going to the Middle East. But not yet, as hostages are coming back right now,” President Trump announced.
The President criticised the prior Biden administration, accusing it of delaying the agreement and mishandling the broader Middle East crisis. “If I weren’t here, they would have never come back. They would have all died… Biden couldn’t get it done. It was only after the imposition that I put on as a deadline that got it done,” Trump stated.
He also commented on the injuries suffered by the hostages, describing the ordeal as horrific. “Some of them have been very, very damaged. You look at the young lady with her hand practically blown off…you know how that happened, right? When you find out, you’re not going to be too happy because it was terrible,” he remarked.
President Trump underscored his role in the deal’s completion, attributing the delays to the prior administration. He claimed the situation, including the escalation of violence on October 7, could have been avoided with more decisive action.
The announcement has sparked discussion about Trump’s leadership approach in addressing the Middle East crisis and the ongoing implications of the hostage deal.
MIDDLE EAST | Ten Palestinians killed in Israeli operation, Says Health Ministry
