Flash statement from Trump on Istanbul: I might come on Thursday

US President Trump stated, "The meeting to be held (in Istanbul) on Thursday with Russia and Ukraine is very important. I think good things could come out of this meeting."

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office before his Middle East trip, Trump emphasized the importance of the meeting, saying, "I was very insistent that this meeting take place. I think good things could come out of this meeting."

Trump noted that the meeting in Istanbul is a critical step for the peace process. Russian and Ukrainian officials had previously announced that they had agreed to meet in Istanbul on May 15.

"I MIGHT GO TO ISTANBUL"

Trump stated, "The meeting to be held in Istanbul on Thursday with Russia and Ukraine is very important. I think good things could come out of this meeting. I might fly to Istanbul on Thursday."

Speaking about Erdoğan, Trump also expressed that Erdoğan would be a very good host.

"EDAN ALEXANDER WILL BE RELEASED WITHIN 2 HOURS"

US President Donald Trump announced that Hamas will release US-Israeli dual citizen hostage Edan Alexander within 2 hours.

US President Donald Trump made a statement regarding the US-Israeli dual citizen hostage Edan Alexander, who is expected to be released by Hamas. Stating that Alexander will be released within 2 hours, Trump said, "I am very happy to announce that US citizen Edan Alexander, who most people thought was no longer alive until recently, will be released in about two hours."

Noting that it was Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff who ensured Alexander's release, Trump congratulated Witkoff on this matter.

Hamas had announced yesterday that a decision had been made to release the Israeli hostage soldier Edan Alexander, who is a US-Israeli dual citizen, following recent talks with US officials and "intensified efforts to ensure a ceasefire, open border crossings, and allow the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip."