Breaking News – Trump hails “historic dawn of a new Middle East” after Israel–Hamas ceasefire

Donald Trump told cheering lawmakers in Jerusalem that “the long and painful nightmare is finally over” as he delivered a headline-grabbing Trump Gaza ceasefire address to the Israeli parliament.
His visit coincided with the release of the last 20 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. In exchange, Israel confirmed it is freeing 250 Palestinian prisoners and more than 1,700 people detained during its two-year military campaign.
The ceasefire, which took effect on Friday morning, is being described by diplomats as one of the most significant moments in the region in over a decade. It comes as Trump embarks on a whirlwind trip that includes a peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh alongside Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and other world leaders.
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‘A historic dawn’
Standing at the Knesset podium, the first US president to do so since 2008, Trump spoke to MPs chanting his name.
“This is the moment everything began to change, and change very much for the better,” he said. He called the ceasefire “the most challenging breakthrough” of his career and hinted that his next foreign policy goal would be ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Benjamin Netanyahu introduced the president as “Israel’s greatest friend in the White House”. He thanked Trump for what he called “unremitting help” in securing the return of the remaining hostages. Many were seized during the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks in southern Israel.
Political divisions surface
The moment of celebration was briefly interrupted when an opposition MP held up a sign reading “Recognise Palestine” before being escorted out. Several right-wing lawmakers, opposed to halting the conflict, chose not to attend the session.
Trump acknowledged the divisions but insisted this ceasefire represented “a historic dawn of a new Middle East”. The deal is the first step in a 20-point peace plan he unveiled earlier this week. It includes a proposal to establish a “board of peace” to administer Gaza, with further negotiations to follow.
Diplomatic show of strength
Trump’s delegation included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who played key roles in the talks, received particularly loud applause from MPs.
Many in the chamber wore red caps bearing the slogan “Trump the Peace President”. The Speaker of the Knesset told him that “no one” was more deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Uncertain road ahead
The Trump Gaza ceasefire is fragile, and its success will depend on whether both sides stick to the agreed terms. Previous truces have faltered, but the scale of this exchange, and the high-profile political investment behind it, has raised hopes among some international observers.
Netanyahu struck a cautious but optimistic tone: “This is a new chapter. We are committed to this peace.”
An authoritative overview of ceasefire agreements in conflict zones can be found through this international law resource.
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[Image Credit | Reuters]
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