Trump Declares ‘New Dawn for the Middle East’ During Address to Israeli Parliament
US President Donald Trump addressed the Israeli parliament on Monday, declaring that the ceasefire he helped mediate in the Gaza conflict marked the beginning of a “historic new era” for the Middle East.
Speaking to lawmakers, Trump said that after years of continuous warfare and instability, peace had finally taken hold across the region. “The skies are calm, the weapons have fallen silent, the alarms have ceased, and the sun rises over a sacred land that can now experience lasting peace. May this land and region remain at peace forever, by the grace of God,” he remarked.
He went on to describe the truce as not just the end of a conflict, but the start of a transformative period for the Middle East. The president’s comments were met with multiple rounds of applause and standing ovations from Israeli legislators as he prepared to speak, following a meeting with families of hostages recently freed by Hamas.
According to the Israeli military, all surviving hostages held by Hamas in Gaza were handed over to the Red Cross on Monday. The releases took place in two separate groups, with seven individuals freed earlier in the day.
The event briefly turned tense when left-wing member of parliament Ayman Odeh interrupted Trump’s speech, calling for international recognition of a Palestinian state — a move that analysts have long considered essential for achieving regional stability.
Prior to his protest, Odeh posted on X criticizing the atmosphere in parliament. He wrote that praising Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could not erase responsibility for the suffering caused by the war. He added that only an end to occupation and recognition of both Israel and Palestine as states could ensure lasting peace and security for all.
As security personnel escorted Odeh from the chamber, Trump responded with a touch of humor, commenting, “That was very efficient.”
During his remarks, Trump referred to his 20-point peace plan for Gaza as a “remarkable success” and extended gratitude to countries across the Arab and Muslim world that had helped persuade Hamas to release the hostages. “I want to express my deep appreciation to all the nations in the Arab and Muslim world who worked together to bring the captives home,” he said.