US President Donald Trump addressed Israeli lawmakers at the Knesset, declaring that “the long and painful nightmare is finally over” after helping broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
This marks the first visit by a US president to the Israeli parliament since 2008.
Hostage Release and Palestinian Prisoners Freed
Trump’s speech coincided with the release of the last 20 hostages held in Gaza and the announcement that Israel would release 250 Palestinian prisoners along with over 1,700 others detained during two years of military operations.
The ceasefire represents the first phase of Trump’s 20-point peace plan for the region, with further negotiations still to come.
What is Trump’s Next Destination After the Israeli Parliament
During his whirlwind Middle East trip, Trump is also set to attend a peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and other world leaders.
In his address, Trump called the moment “the historic dawn of a new Middle East,” echoing language used during his first presidency when Israel signed landmark agreements with Arab nations.
Trump and Netanyahu Highlight Cooperation
Trump described brokering the ceasefire as “the most challenging breakthrough of them all,” noting that ending the war between Russia and Ukraine could be his next focus.
He shared that discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed concern over the intensity of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Netanyahu praised Trump as “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House,” thanking him for his “unremitting help” in securing the release of hostages captured during the October 2023 attacks by Hamas.
Key US Officials Attend Knesset Ceremony
Key US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner, attended the Knesset ceremony.
Attendees wore red caps reading “Trump the Peace President,” and lawmakers suggested he was deserving of a Nobel Peace Prize.
Gaza Ceasefire Marks Critical Step Toward Stability
Gaza ceasefire, effective Friday morning, signals a critical step toward lasting stability in the region, though some Israeli MPs who favor continuing military operations did not attend the event.
Source: BBC
