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President Donald Trump told Israeli lawmakers on Monday that his Gaza peace agreement represents “the historic dawn of a new Middle East,” delivering an optimistic address just hours after Hamas released the final 20 living hostages under the deal’s initial phase.
Speaking before the Knesset, Trump said the ceasefire has paused two years of devastating conflict in Gaza, declaring that “the skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still.”
“We gather on a day of profound joy, of soaring hope, of renewed faith, and above all, a day to give our deepest thanks to the Almighty God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,” President Trump said in his opening remarks.
“And 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,” he said.
He added: “This is not only the end of a war, this is the end of an age of terror and death, and the beginning of the age of faith and hope and of God. It’s the start of a grand concord and lasting harmony for Israel and all the nations of what will soon be a truly magnificent region. I believe that so strongly. This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East.”
Trump was expected to emphasize that the ceasefire and cooperation among regional partners represent “an incredible triumph for Israel and the world,” according to excerpts released in advance.
He planned to say that Israel “has won all that can be won by force of arms,” and that it is now time to convert “victories against terrorists” into long-term peace and prosperity.
Trump also signaled openness to future dialogue with Iran, saying “the hand of friendship and cooperation is always open,” even as tensions with Tehran remain high.
The president arrived in Israel earlier Monday before traveling to Egypt for a summit focused on implementing the peace framework and building conditions for lasting stability. The agreement, backed by the United States, calls for a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, partial Israeli troop withdrawals and discussions on Gaza’s governance.
The war in Gaza began Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and capturing around 250 hostages.
