Trump to Honor Kirk After Peace Deal Between Israel and Hamas

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced plans on Friday to travel to Israel and Egypt next week as part of efforts to honor the late Charlie Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. The award ceremony is set for Tuesday, Oct. 14, which would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday.

During a briefing with reporters, Trump stated that he would address Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, and visit Cairo to commemorate the peace deal he helped broker between Israel and Hamas. This deal aims to ensure the return of hostages held by Hamas, which began its current conflict with Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

The President is expected to arrive in Israel early Monday and will meet with recently freed hostages, according to an Israeli official. Trump mentioned that under the terms of the peace agreement, Hamas is required to return 48 hostages within a 72-hour window. “They’re getting them, and they’re also getting the bodies, approximately 28 bodies. … It’s a tragedy,” Trump stated.

Egypt is hosting an international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday to finalize the peace agreement. More than 20 world leaders, including Trump, are expected to attend. Trump noted, “We have a lot of leaders from all over the world coming too.”

Upon returning to Washington, Trump will honor Kirk, who was assassinated on Sept. 10 during an outdoor event in Utah. Trump described the upcoming ceremony as a “great celebration” and mentioned the presence of Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk.

Earlier last month, Trump announced that he would award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously, highlighting Kirk’s contributions as a conservative activist. “That we will have a very big crowd. Very, very big,” Trump added.

The peace deal follows Hamas’s agreement last Thursday to return hostages and end ongoing hostilities. Caroline Glick, an advisor to the Israeli Prime Minister, expressed confidence in Trump’s commitment to the deal and his support for Israel. “We have deep faith in President Trump — in his sincerity, his support for Israel, and his leadership,” Glick said.

While the international community watches the developments closely, many question the specifics of the deal. Key concerns include disarmament of Hamas and monitoring compliance with the agreement. As the situation evolves, Trump’s diplomatic efforts may significantly influence regional stability.