INTERNATIONAL
Trump hails Gaza ceasefire as ‘new dawn’ for Middle East
U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he addresses the Knesset, amid a U.S.-brokered prisoner-hostage swap and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, in Jerusalem, October 13, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
US President Donald Trump on Monday hailed what he called a “historic dawn” of a new Middle East in a speech to Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, as a ceasefire in Gaza came into effect.
The truce followed Hamas’ release of the last 20 surviving Israeli hostages under a US-brokered deal, a major step towards ending two years of war in Gaza. Trump called the agreement timely, saying Israel’s military operations were becoming “bad and heated.”
“I said, Bibi, you're going to be remembered for this far more than if you kept this thing going, going, going – kill, kill,” Trump said, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “I just want to congratulate you for having the courage to say, ‘that’s it, we’ve won and now let’s enjoy our lives’.”
The president also highlighted the durability of the Abraham Accords, noting that “even through the bad period we went through, four countries remained part of the Abraham Accord.”
Trump went on to urge Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, who is on trial for alleged corruption. “Cigars and some champagne - who the hell cares?” Trump said, referring to the fraud charges Netanyahu denies.
In an address lasting more than an hour, Trump praised members of his administration and Netanyahu for what he described as a decisive end to the war.
The president also signalled openness to a future deal with Iran, saying Washington was ready to strike a peace agreement “whenever Tehran is ready,” calling it “the best decision Iran has ever made.”
Trump is the first US president to address the Knesset since George W. Bush in 2008, during Israel’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
Earlier, on arrival at parliament, Trump told reporters that Hamas would comply with a plan to disarm. He has said the surrender of Hamas’ weapons will be dealt with in the second phase of the peace plan, although the group has publicly rejected the proposal.
Trump is due to travel to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, after leaving Israel to attend a signing ceremony for the first phase of the Gaza peace plan. World leaders including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are expected to be present.
Netanyahu was invited to the ceremony but declined, citing its proximity to the start of a Jewish holiday.
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The truce followed Hamas’ release of the last 20 surviving Israeli hostages under a US-brokered deal, a major step towards ending two years of war in Gaza. Trump called the agreement timely, saying Israel’s military operations were becoming “bad and heated.”
“I said, Bibi, you're going to be remembered for this far more than if you kept this thing going, going, going – kill, kill,” Trump said, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “I just want to congratulate you for having the courage to say, ‘that’s it, we’ve won and now let’s enjoy our lives’.”
The president also highlighted the durability of the Abraham Accords, noting that “even through the bad period we went through, four countries remained part of the Abraham Accord.”
Trump went on to urge Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, who is on trial for alleged corruption. “Cigars and some champagne - who the hell cares?” Trump said, referring to the fraud charges Netanyahu denies.
In an address lasting more than an hour, Trump praised members of his administration and Netanyahu for what he described as a decisive end to the war.
The president also signalled openness to a future deal with Iran, saying Washington was ready to strike a peace agreement “whenever Tehran is ready,” calling it “the best decision Iran has ever made.”
Trump is the first US president to address the Knesset since George W. Bush in 2008, during Israel’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
Earlier, on arrival at parliament, Trump told reporters that Hamas would comply with a plan to disarm. He has said the surrender of Hamas’ weapons will be dealt with in the second phase of the peace plan, although the group has publicly rejected the proposal.
Trump is due to travel to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, after leaving Israel to attend a signing ceremony for the first phase of the Gaza peace plan. World leaders including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are expected to be present.
Netanyahu was invited to the ceremony but declined, citing its proximity to the start of a Jewish holiday.