No images? Click here
Trump declares “war is over” as Gaza ceasefire continues
15 October 2025
US President Trump declared “war is over” ahead of the release of 20 Israeli hostages taken on 7 October 2023 and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees yesterday afternoon. Following the release of the hostages and a formal address to the Israeli parliament, President Trump joined other global leaders in Egypt to sign a declaration aimed at securing lasting peace in Gaza.
The ceasefire has been hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough, with Trump drawing international and bipartisan praise in the United States for his role in brokering the agreement, though analysts remain cautious about declaring a new lasting peace in the region, as highlighted in United States Studies Centre Non-Resident Fellow Lester Munson’s recent opinion piece, which questions the sustainability of Trump’s “shock and awe” approach to foreign policy.
At the same time, the agreement came amid a still divided US Congress, now entering its fourth week of government shutdown due to a budget impasse. Republican Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Mike Johnson warned on Monday that the United States is “barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history.”
As the ceasefire holds, attention now turns to the durability of the peace and the leadership required to sustain it. Whether Trump’s bold diplomacy can translate into lasting stability — abroad and at home — remains an open question.
Han-Keul Page
Media and Publications Officer
Jared Mondschein
Director, Research
Lead photo: US President Donald Trump poses with the signed agreement at a world leaders' summit on ending the Gaza war, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, 13 October 2025 (Photo by Suzanne Plunkett - Pool/Getty Images)
“Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path. A path of building, a path of healing, and I hope — a path of uniting hearts.”
Upcoming publication
The Albanese-Trump summit: Where do Australians stand on their most important ally?
On 16 October, the USSC is releasing ten key takeaways from exclusive public opinion polling on Australian attitudes to the United States, the Australia-US alliance and key issues facing the Indo-Pacific region. Subscribe to be first to access the polling.
Recent content from us
COMMENTARYPower-hungry data centres threaten Australia’s energy grid. Here are 3 steps to make them more efficientUSSC Research Associate Johanna Lim analyses how the rapid growth of Australia’s data centre industry — driven by AI and major tech investment — is straining the national energy grid. She outlines three key steps to improve efficiency: promote low-emission computing methods, accelerate energy storage innovation and enforce power usage effectiveness (PUE) targets. |
COMMENTARYFrom ambition to action: Rajnath Singh’s visit deepens Australia-India tiesUSSC 2025 Maitri Fellow Rushali Saha explores how Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Canberra signals a maturing Australia–India partnership, with both nations committing to enhanced defence cooperation and security cooperation. |
COMMENTARYTrump’s ‘shock and awe’ foreign policy achieved a breakthrough in Gaza – but is it sustainable?USSC Non-Resident Senior Fellow Lester Munson examines President Trump’s foreign policy success in Gaza, noting that while he achieved a breakthrough, its durability remains uncertain. The article explores how Trump’s unconventional style fits within a broader tradition of American diplomacy, albeit with new risks. |
PODCASTUSSC Briefing Room | Why Trump wants to make US shipbuilding great again2025 USSC-American Australian Association Fellow Dr Mary Bridges joined USSC Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck to discuss the opportunities and challenges for the United States and Australia in shipbuilding. |
In the news
ABC | Trump praised for Gaza deal
Donald Trump has received praise for brokering the peace deal between Israel and Hamas, with Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong describing the plan as "the biggest contribution to peace in the Middle East in a generation or more." USSC Director of Research Jared Mondschein spoke with the ABC about these developments.
Upcoming events
Weaponising words: Russia's global influence playbook
Russian disinformation and foreign influence campaigns have increasingly become defining features of today’s information landscape. Their reach extends beyond Ukraine, shaping debates around the globe including in the United States, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Please join us for expert remarks and a panel discussion featuring Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Vasyl Myroshnychenko, ex-career diplomat and strategic communications specialist, Natalia Solieva, and University of Sydney Senior Lecturer in Digital Cultures, Dr Olga Boichak. This discussion will be moderated by USSC Director of Strategic Technologies, Olivia Shen.
16 October 2025
6.00-7.30pmThe Michael Spence Building (F23) at the Corner of Eastern Avenue and City Road, The University of Sydney NSW 2006
Manage your email preferences | Forward this email to a friend
United States Studies Centre
Institute Building (H03)
University of Sydney NSW 2006