On Monday, President Trump announced that the cease-fire in Gaza signals the “end of an era characterized by terror and death” and heralds the “historic dawn of a new Middle East” during his address to Israel’s Knesset.
As he was welcomed by the assembly, the president was met with enthusiastic applause following the release of all living hostages by Hamas in line with a truce agreement with Israel.
“This marks the conclusion of a dark period filled with terror, and ushers in a new beginning defined by faith, hope, and the divine,” he stated.
He expressed optimism for a period of “grand concord and lasting peace” for Israel as well as the countries that will soon thrive in what he envisions as a truly splendid region, emphasizing his firm belief that this is a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history.
Trump reflected on the joyous reunion of living hostages with their families and paid tribute to the 28 deceased hostages whose remains would finally be given a rightful burial.
“After enduring two grim years of darkness and captivity, 20 brave hostages are returning to the loving arms of their families, and it is indeed magnificent,” he remarked.
“Twenty-eight cherished individuals are finally coming home to rest in this sacred ground forever; after prolonged conflict and looming threat, today brings calm skies, silent weapons, and still sirens.”
In his address, he acknowledged the international scrutiny Israel faced to conclude its military operations, which intensified as the conflict persisted in the Palestinian territories.
“Israel, with our assistance, has achieved all it can through military means,” said the 47th president. “You’ve triumphed, and now it’s time to translate these battlefield victories into lasting peace and security for the entire Middle East.”
Trump also addressed the Palestinian people, urging them to embark on a reconstruction path in their war-torn region of Gaza following two years of conflict instigated by Hamas.
“For Palestinians, the choice is unmistakable; this is their moment to turn away permanently from the path of terror and violence, which has been overwhelming, and to cast out the destructive forces of hatred within their communities,” he asserted.
At various points, he lightened the atmosphere by noting his daughter’s conversion to Judaism following her marriage to Jared Kushner, a key figure in negotiating the peace deal alongside Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
He also managed a minor disruption when a far-left Israeli parliamentarian was escorted out for causing a disturbance during his remarks praising Witkoff for contributing to “peace in the Middle East.”
The contents of what the expelled Ofer Cassif was shouting were unclear, but he was quickly removed from the assembly, accompanied by cheering from many lawmakers. Security also took action against another Knesset member.
Trump highlighted several of his administration’s notable achievements, which trace back to his first term, including the Abraham Accords, the fight against Islamic terrorism, and a tough stance against Iran, notably withdrawing from the nuclear agreement established by former President Barack Obama.
The military operation in Gaza was initiated by Israel in response to the Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli casualties and the kidnapping of 250 individuals.
