President Trump addresses Israel’s parliament following return of living hostages
President Trump declared Monday that the cease-fire in Gaza is the “end of an age of terror and death” and the “historic dawn of a new Middle East” as he spoke to Israel’s governing body.
The president received a loud ovation as he was introduced to the Knesset hours after all living hostages were freed by Hamas as part of a truce deal between the terror group and Israel.
“This is the end of an age of terror and death and the beginning of the age of faith and hope and of God,” he said.
“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.”
He also celebrated all of the living hostages that would soon be back in their loved ones’ arms and remembered the 28 slain hostages whose remains will finally receive a proper burial.
“After two harrowing years and darkness and captivity, 20 courageous hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families, and it is glorious,” he said.
“Twenty-eight more precious loved ones are coming home at last to rest in this sacred soil for all of time and after so many years of unceasing war and endless danger, today, the skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still.”
He also touched on the international pressure the Jewish state was facing to end its military campaign, that was heightened in recent months, as the war continued in the Palestinian enclave.
“So Israel, with our help, has won all that they can by force of arms,” the 47th president said. “You’ve won. I mean, you’ve won. Now it’s time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and security for the entire Middle East.”
Trump also had a message for the Palestinian as they look to rebuild their war-torn home in Gaza after two years of fighting that was sparked by Hamas.
“The choice for Palestinians could not be more clear, this is their chance to turn forever from the path of terror and violence, it’s been extreme, to exile the wicked forces of hate that are in their midst,” he said.
Trump also lightened the mood at times when he noted his daughter converted to Judaism when she married Jared Kushner, who was instrumental in helping achieve the peace deal with Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
He also took in stride a minor disruption when a far-left Israeli politician was forcibly thrown out of President Trump’s address for causing a ruckus.
Ofer Cassif, a member of parliament from the extreme left-wing Hadash party, began shouting while Trump was praising Witkoff, for his part bringing “peace in the Middle East.”
It wasn’t immediately clear what Cassif was yelling.
He was quickly expelled from the chamber to cheers from the majority of other lawmakers. Security also went over to another Knesset member and removed him.
Trump also hit on his some of his greatest accomplishments dating back to his first term, including the Abrams Accord, taking on Islamic terrorism and cracking down on Iran, including pulling out of former President Barack Obama’s nuclear deal with the Tehran.
Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 terror attack that killed 1,200 Israeli and led to the kidnapping of 250 more.