U.S. President Donald Trump embarked on a whirlwind trip to the Middle East on Monday to cement the end of the war between Israel and Hamas, and to reaffirm his ambitions to usher in peace between the two.

President Donald Trump claimed Monday that Egypt's president had skipped a meeting with his 2016 rival, Clinton.

President Donald Trump has told Israeli lawmakers their country has no more to achieve on the battlefield and must work toward peace in the Middle East after two years of war against Hamas and skirmishes with Hezbollah and Iran.

The meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, could expedite an end to the Gaza war, but regional powers must still resolve the thorny details that have stymied negotiations.

Israel has also released almost 2,000 Palestinian detainees, with busloads greeted by huge crowds in the occupied West Bank.

(Reuters) -S&P Global upgraded Egypt's rating by a notch on Friday, citing ongoing reforms that have led to a sharp rebound in GDP growth, while Fitch highlighted the country's fairly high growth potential and strong support from partners in its affirmation.