On 8/10, during a White House meeting, President Donald Trump received an urgent, handwritten note from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signaling an imminent peace agreement between Israel and Hamas. The unexpected interruption, captured on video, set the stage for Trump's subsequent public announcement of the deal.
The incident occurred over one hour into a meeting where Trump was discussing Antifa, a term referring to extremist left-wing groups he accused of inciting violent protests across the US. Secretary of State Rubio unexpectedly appeared in the room, drawing Trump's attention. "Come in, Marco. Do we have any more information on the Middle East?", Trump asked.
Rubio then approached, took a seat that was previously White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles's, and indicated he had important news to share, but would wait for the press to leave. He proceeded to write a note, which he then passed to President Trump. A photograph taken by a reporter showed the note's content: "very close" and "you need to approve the Truth Social post soon to be the first to announce the deal". Rubio also leaned in to whisper something to Trump.
Shortly after, Trump addressed the room, stating, "I just received a note from the Secretary of State, writing that we are very close to a deal in the Middle East and they will need me soon. So, we will only take one or two more questions."
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President Trump's expression while reading the note from Secretary of State Rubio at the White House on 8/10. Photo: AP |
Approximately two hours after receiving the note, Trump posted on Truth Social, announcing that Israel and Hamas had agreed to phase one of a peace deal, focusing on hostage release and troop withdrawal. He described the agreement as "a major day for the Arab and Islamic world, Israel, neighboring countries, and the US."
Trump's post elaborated on the agreement's implications: "This means all hostages will soon be released, Israel will withdraw its troops to agreed-upon boundaries. These are the first steps toward a firm, lasting, and eternal peace." Both Israel and Hamas confirmed the information. The armed group called on Trump and mediating nations to ensure Israel fully implemented the ceasefire. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he would convene a government meeting on 9/10 to approve the agreement.
Israel's Channel 12 reported the agreement would be signed at 12:00 on 9/10 (16:00 Hanoi time) in Cairo, Egypt.
By Nhu Tam (According to AP, Guardian)
