Donald Trump's quick trip to Israel and Egypt was the victory lap he wanted.
Anyone watching the speeches he made in Jerusalem and Sharm el-Sheikh could see a man luxuriating in his power - enjoying the applause in Israel's parliament and in Egypt, basking in the fact that numerous heads of state had come to see him.
Observers noted that Trump's message at Sharm conveyed the narrative of having created a pivotal moment in history. However, despite being credited with initiating the ceasefire and hostage exchange deal, analysts emphasize that this is far from a peace agreement or a genuine start to a peace process.
While Trump's push for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's acceptance of terms previously rejected played a crucial role in the ceasefire, a significant amount of work is still required to fill the gaps left unaddressed in the agreement.
As violence flares once again, the future of the ceasefire remains uncertain amidst ongoing tensions, with political will faltering on both sides for a more stable resolution.
Trump's aspirations and proclamations of a new era in the Middle East seem reliant on more than optimistic speeches; they require tangible diplomatic efforts and mutual sacrifices, which appear lacking at this stage.
