On a historic day, the President of the United States addressed the Israeli Parliament to announce the end of the war in Gaza and the release of the last hostages held by Hamas
Trump also addressed the Palestinian people directly, urging them to leave extremism behind: "The choice couldn't be clearer. This is your opportunity to turn away from terrorism and violence forever."
A key summit in Egypt
The president landed in Israel at 9:30 a.m. and was received by Netanyahu and Herzog at Ben-Gurion airport. After his visit to the Knesset, he departed for Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where an international summit is taking place with leaders from the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France, and Egypt. The purpose of the meeting is to formalize the agreement that will definitively end the war in Gaza and lay the foundations for a new stage of regional cooperation.
Donald Trump entered the Knesset chamber five minutes before 1:00 p.m. local time and was greeted with an ovation that lasted more than three minutes. In an atmosphere charged with emotion, both inside and outside Parliament, the U.S. president delivered a speech that sealed a key chapter in the recent history of the Middle East: after 738 days, there are no longer any hostages alive in the hands of the terrorist group Hamas and the war in Gaza has come to an end.
"Today the skies are calm, the weapons are silent, the sirens have been silenced, and the sun rises over a holy land that is finally at peace", Trump began. "This land, and this region, God willing, will live in peace for all eternity."
The president recalled that many had underestimated him and criticized his confrontational style, but he emphasized that the results speak for themselves: "How good it feels to say it: the 20 hostages are back!". He added that his goal is not only the release of the captives, but to ensure that the agreement endures over time. "This is not just the end of a war, it's the end of an era of terror and the beginning of an era of faith, hope, and God. This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East."
Trump celebrated that, after decades of violence, "the forces of chaos, terror, and ruin are now weakened, isolated, and totally defeated". In that context, he announced the emergence of "a new coalition of proud and responsible nations," and stressed that "thanks to us, the enemies of civilization are in retreat."
Donald Trump selló la paz en Medio Oriente: 'Es el fin de una guerra y el comienzo de una era de fe y esperanza'
A call for unity and peace
During his speech, the president of the United States also appealed for internal political reconciliation in Israel. Looking at Benjamin Netanyahu, he said in a relaxed tone: "You're no longer at war, you can be kinder, Bibi", alluding to opposition leader Yair Lapid. In addition, in an unexpected gesture, he asked Israeli president Isaac Herzog to consider a pardon for Netanyahu: "This wasn't in the speech, but I like this gentleman, and I think it makes a lot of sense," he commented with a laugh.
The pact, the result of intense negotiations led by Trump, began to be implemented with the release of the last hostages. Although it doesn't include the immediate disarmament of Hamas or the total withdrawal of Israeli forces, it represents a decisive step toward stability.
Donald Trump selló la paz en Medio Oriente: 'Es el fin de una guerra y el comienzo de una era de fe y esperanza'
The next phase, officials in Washington acknowledge, will be more complex: ensuring the reconstruction of Gaza and forming a new local government with international support. The global community also seeks to consolidate a multinational security force and prevent the resurgence of armed groups in the Strip.
A diplomatic triumph with global impact
The agreement represents a resounding geopolitical victory for Donald Trump, once again showing his negotiating ability on the international stage. His leadership was decisive in reaching an understanding that seemed impossible just a few months ago.
In the words of the president himself: "This is an exciting moment for Israel and for the entire Middle East. After so much pain and suffering, today a new hope is born."
