Trump was warmly greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife. (Photo: X/GPOIsrael)
US President Donald Trump arrived at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, on Monday to deliver a speech amid the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. His visit comes during a historic hostage release operation following the deadly October 7, 2023, attacks.
Trump was warmly greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife. The address is part of Trump’s Middle East tour, which will also take him to Egypt to co-host the Gaza peace summit with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed that Hamas released the second batch of hostages captured during the 2023 terror attack. Earlier, seven hostages were released and are now returning home. The second batch includes the remaining 13 hostages from the original list of 20.
The releases mark a significant development in ongoing peace efforts and provide hope for affected families.
During his trip, Trump stated that he would be “proud” to visit Gaza. He emphasized that his October 9 ceasefire announcement aimed to save millions of lives. Speaking en route to Israel on Air Force One, Trump said, “In all fairness to the Nobel Committee, it was for 2024. This (Nobel Peace Prize) was picked for 2024. But there are those who say you could make an exception because a lot of things happened during 2025 that are done and complete and great. But I did not do this for the Nobel. I did this for saving lives."
Trump’s comments underline his commitment to humanitarian goals and his role in facilitating the ceasefire.
The US-led ceasefire talks aim to stabilize the region after months of violence. The historic operation and hostage releases have drawn international attention. Leaders from multiple countries are closely monitoring developments.
Trump’s visit to the Knesset also highlights US involvement in the peace process. His upcoming meetings in Egypt are expected to focus on ensuring the ceasefire holds and preventing further escalation.
The release of hostages and the ongoing ceasefire have been welcomed by international organizations and governments. The operation demonstrates the importance of diplomacy and coordinated efforts to protect civilian lives in conflict zones.
Trump’s speech at the Knesset reinforces his role in mediating regional tensions. It also signals ongoing US commitment to supporting peace between Israel and Gaza, with broader implications for Middle East stability.
