US President Donald Trump on Monday described the Gaza ceasefire agreement as a “triumph for peace” and the beginning of a “historic dawn of a new Middle East,” during an address before Israel’s parliament, the Knesset.
The deal, which secured a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas, marked one of Trump’s most celebrated diplomatic moments since his return to office.
Standing before Israeli lawmakers, Trump expressed deep gratitude to the Arab and Muslim nations that played a key role in mediating the Gaza ceasefire deal. “Let me also convey my tremendous appreciation for all of the nations of the Arab and Muslim world that came together to press Hamas to set the hostages free and to send them home,” he said, calling the cooperation “an incredible triumph for Israel and the world.”
Trump emphasized that many of the nations involved were “not ones you would suspect” and thanked them for coming together as “partners in peace.” His remarks suggested a rare alignment between Israel and several Muslim-majority states, highlighting the growing regional cooperation that has followed years of conflict and mistrust.
The US President described the ceasefire as a long-awaited breakthrough, bringing an end to what he called a “painful nightmare” for both Israelis and Palestinians. “After so many years of unceasing war and endless danger, today the skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still, and the sun rises on a holy land that is finally at peace,” Trump declared, earning a standing ovation from the right-wing members of the chamber.
However, his speech was briefly interrupted when a left-wing Knesset member held up a sign reading “Recognize Palestine.” The protester was quickly escorted out amid loud disapproval from fellow lawmakers. Speaker Amir Ohana called for order, identifying the individual as Ofer Cassif, though reports suggest more than one member may have been removed. Trump brushed off the incident, joking, “That was very efficient,” before continuing his remarks.
As part of the first phase of the truce, Hamas released 20 Israeli hostages, while Israel freed several Palestinian prisoners. Despite the progress, tensions remain high after an Israeli advocacy group claimed that Hamas had breached the agreement by returning only four bodies of deceased hostages instead of all 28. “This represents a blatant breach of the agreement,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said, urging immediate action from mediators.
Trump also used the moment to urge the Palestinian people to reject violence and embrace peace. “The choice for Palestinians could not be more clear,” he said. “This is their chance to turn forever from the path of terror and violence.” The US leader described the deal as timely, noting that Israel’s military operations in Gaza had become “bad and heated.”
Recounting a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said, “I told Bibi, you’re going to be remembered for this far more than if you kept this thing going, going, going—kill, kill. I just want to congratulate you for having the courage to say, ‘that’s it, we’ve won, and now let’s enjoy our lives.’”
In a lighter moment, Trump urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges. “Cigars and some champagne — who the hell cares?” Trump quipped, drawing laughter and applause from lawmakers.
Netanyahu responded warmly, calling Trump “the greatest friend the State of Israel has ever had in the White House,” a statement that drew thunderous applause from the Knesset floor.
The Gaza ceasefire deal — a four-word keyphrase that encapsulates the day’s events — has been hailed as a landmark achievement in Middle Eastern diplomacy. It not only paused one of the most violent chapters in recent memory but also signaled a rare moment of unity among regional players long divided by conflict and ideology.
With the Gaza ceasefire deal now in place, hopes are rising that this fragile truce could pave the way for a more enduring peace.
