Trump hails Gaza truce as dawn of a ‘new Middle East’

US President Donald Trump told Israel’s parliament that the ceasefire he brokered to end the Gaza war marked a “historic dawn of a new Middle East,” claiming the guns had fallen silent and families could finally look forward to peace. Addressing the Knesset in Jerusalem, he argued the agreement ended a long nightmare for both Israelis and Palestinians and credited mediators from the Arab and Muslim world for helping deliver the breakthrough.

Trump said Washington was ready to pursue an agreement with Iran after strikes earlier in the year escalated tensions, while insisting the next move rested with Tehran. He also defended his decision to scrap the Obama-era nuclear accord and, in an unscripted moment, urged Israel’s president to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces ongoing corruption cases.

The speech briefly paused as security escorted a protesting lawmaker out of the chamber, an interruption Trump brushed off with a quip before continuing. Outside the chamber, celebrations greeted buses carrying Palestinians released by Israel in a prisoner exchange linked to the ceasefire, part of a broader swap that also freed hostages held by Hamas.

Later Monday, Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi were due to co-chair a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, where mediators including the United States, Egypt and Qatar were expected to formalise guarantees underpinning the deal. A wide cast of leaders and organisations, among them the United Nations, European Union and multiple regional states, were slated to attend as Gaza reconstruction and long-term security arrangements came into focus.