Trump Declares "A New Dawn for the Middle East" as Israel-Hamas War Officially Ends

In Knesset Speech: "Now Entering an Era of Peace and Prosperity"
Set to Host Gaza Peace Summit

On October 13 (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump officially declared an end to the war between Israel and Hamas, stating, "A historic new dawn for the Middle East has arrived."

According to the Associated Press, in a speech to the Israeli parliament (Knesset) released by the White House that day, President Trump emphasized his role, saying, "Centuries from now, today will be remembered as the turning point that led to all these changes." He added, "Israel has achieved everything that could be gained by force," and stated, "Now it is time to turn victory on the battlefield into the fruits of peace and prosperity."

President Trump also said, "The door to friendship and cooperation with Iran is always open," leaving room for dialogue even after the United States directly bombed Iran in June. Before entering the Knesset, he told reporters, "Hamas has agreed to a disarmament plan, and the war is over."

When President Trump arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv that day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, along with their spouses, personally greeted him. At the Knesset, lawmakers welcomed President Trump with a standing ovation and cheers, and Speaker Amir Ohana called him "a giant in Jewish history."

In accordance with the first-phase ceasefire agreement under President Trump's peace initiative, Hamas handed over 20 surviving hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) that day. The bodies of 28 deceased hostages are also expected to be delivered to the Israeli side soon, although the exact timing has not been disclosed.

After completing his schedule in Israel, President Trump will travel to the Red Sea resort city of Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt to co-host the "Gaza Peace Summit" with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Leaders from major countries including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, and Turkiye, as well as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, will attend the summit to discuss ways to implement the ceasefire agreement.