'End Of Terror, Beginning Of Hope’: Trump Declares Gaza Peace Deal A New Dawn In Historic Address To Israeli Parliament

Jerusalem: Amid thunderous applause and a standing ovation at the Knesset, US President Donald Trump on Monday declared the Gaza peace agreement as the “end of an era of terror and the beginning of faith and hope”, marking a defining moment in Middle East diplomacy.

Addressing Israeli lawmakers after the release of all 20 living hostages from Gaza, Trump described the breakthrough as “a profound day of happiness” and said the skies over the Holy Land were “calm again after two years of darkness and captivity”.

“Today the skies are calm, the sun rises on a holy land that is now at peace. This is the end of the era of terror and death and the start of faith and hope,” Trump said, drawing loud cheers from the packed chamber.

‘Netanyahu a man of courage and honour’

Praising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump called him “a man of courage and honour” who “stood firm through every challenge”.

“He’s not an easy guy to deal with, but that’s what makes him great,” Trump quipped, as Netanyahu smiled from the front row.

The US President credited the Israeli leader and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for their role in Operation Rising Lion and Operation Midnight Hammer, calling them “decisive in bringing Hamas to its knees.”

‘Peace through strength’

Reiterating his long-held belief in “peace through strength,” Trump highlighted the decisive role of US military support in Israel’s success.

“We make the best weapons in the world — and we gave them to Israel. Israel became strong and powerful and that strength led to victory,” he said.

He added that Hamas would now be fully disarmed, ensuring that “Israel’s security will never again be threatened”.

A turning point for the Middle East

Trump credited several Arab and Muslim nations for cooperating in the peace process, noting that “a lot of countries supported us”.

“This is remarkable not only for Israel but also for the Palestinians — peace has come, the dark cloud is gone. It’s a great thing for the Middle East,” he said.

He announced that many Arab countries have pledged financial aid for Gaza’s reconstruction, saying, “The Arab countries gave a lot of money to rebuild Gaza. Together we can stand against the forces of chaos.”

‘The world is loving Israel again’

In a characteristically expansive address, Trump linked the success in Gaza to broader US diplomatic gains, hinting at ongoing efforts to mediate the Russia–Ukraine conflict and underscoring America’s role as a global stabiliser.

“We settled eight wars in eight months — including this one. My personality is stopping wars,” he said.

Calling the peace accord a victory for generations, Trump added, “Generations from now, everyone will remember this day as the one when everything began to change for the better.”

“The world wanted peace — and so did Israel. What a victory this is. Israel will thrive forever and it will remain a vital part of us,” he added. (With agency inputs)

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