US President Donald Trump addressed the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, calling the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas a “historic dawn of a new Middle East.” Speaking to cheering lawmakers, Trump described Monday as a “day of profound joy” following “two harrowing years” of conflict.

This marks the first address to the Knesset by a US president since 2008. Trump’s visit coincides with the release of the last 20 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, completing the return of 251 hostages seized during the October 7, 2023, attacks in southern Israel.

Prisoner Releases and Ceasefire

As part of the ceasefire agreement, Israel has released 250 Palestinian prisoners along with more than 1,700 other Palestinians detained during the two-year military operations in Gaza.

Trump emphasized that the ceasefire, which took effect on Friday, signals not just the end of hostilities but the beginning of a “new age” for the region. He also announced plans for a “board of peace” to oversee the administration of Gaza as part of the first phase of his 20-point peace plan, with further phases yet to be negotiated.

Summit in Egypt and Regional Diplomacy

During his whirlwind trip to the Middle East, Trump is expected to attend a peace summit in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt, alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and other world leaders. The summit aims to consolidate the ceasefire and advance broader regional cooperation initiatives.

Netanyahu Praises Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu introduced Trump to the Knesset, lauding him as Israel’s “greatest friend” in the White House. Netanyahu highlighted Trump’s “unremitting help” in securing the return of hostages and credited the American president with changing the US stance on Israel’s military campaign in Gaza following his reelection last year.

Trump reciprocated, praising Netanyahu: “He’s not the easiest guy to deal with, but that’s what makes him great.”

Congressional Reception and Support

Trump was welcomed by key US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner. Kushner and Witkoff received particularly loud applause for their roles in brokering the ceasefire, with Kushner accompanied by Ivanka Trump.

Israeli lawmakers wore red caps labeled “Trump the Peace President,” replacing Trump’s signature “Make America Great Again” slogan. The parliamentary speaker even suggested that Trump was deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize.

However, some Israeli lawmakers who oppose the ceasefire and want the war in Gaza to continue abstained from attending the address.

Trump’s Vision for the Middle East

Throughout his speech, Trump framed the ceasefire as an opportunity to usher in a new era for the Middle East. Echoing the language used during his first presidency when Israel signed landmark deals with several Arab nations, he suggested the region could soon become “magnificent” under renewed cooperation and peace.

Trump’s visit to Israel and the announcement of the Gaza ceasefire mark a major diplomatic moment in the Middle East. While the first phase of his peace plan has been implemented, the region awaits the outcomes of subsequent negotiations and the effectiveness of the “board of peace” in maintaining stability.