US President Donald Trump has signed a landmark peace declaration with leaders of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey to stabilize Gaza.
The agreement, sealed at a summit in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh, marks a turning point after two years of conflict. Trump called it the start of a hopeful era, praising regional partners for securing the Israel-Hamas truce.
Knesset Speech Sparks Cheers
Days before the summit, Trump spoke to Israel’s Knesset, where lawmakers cheered loudly. He hailed the end of a grueling ordeal for Israelis and Palestinians, envisioning a transformed region.
Echoing past Arab-Israeli deals, Trump saw a new chapter unfolding. The room chanted his name, reflecting strong support.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump as Israel’s greatest White House ally. He credited Trump’s re-election with shifting US views on Gaza operations, thanking him for aiding hostage releases.
Trump, in turn, lauded Netanyahu’s tenacity but urged restraint. “This deal will outshine endless conflict,” Trump recalled telling him.
Ceasefire Begins with Hostage Exchange
The truce, effective last Friday, launches with a major prisoner swap. Israel will release 250 Palestinian detainees and over 1,700 others from Gaza operations.
Hamas will free the last 20 living Israeli hostages, plus remains of 28 deceased, from the 251 seized in October 2023.
This swap anchors Trump’s 20-point peace plan. He vowed the deal would hold, likening it to a soaring rocket. Rebuilding efforts will follow, tapping global expertise to restore Gaza’s infrastructure.
Summit Highlights and Honors
In Sharm El-Sheikh, Trump joined Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and over 20 world leaders.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas attended, despite recent US restrictions on his UN visit. Trump noted widespread joy, surpassing his past deals.
Al-Sisi awarded Trump the Order of the Nile, Egypt’s highest honor—a gold necklace symbolizing respect.
He called the day a historic shift, ending a painful era. Trump marveled at resolving centuries-old tensions.
Key US figures, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, joined Trump.
Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with Ivanka Trump, earned loud Knesset applause for mediation. Attendees wore red caps reading “Trump the Peace President,” with the speaker suggesting a Nobel nod.
Challenges and Next Steps
Questions linger about the Palestinian Authority’s future role in Gaza. Trump confirmed ongoing talks for the plan’s next phase, aiming for broader peace.
Some Israeli hardliners skipped the Knesset event, favoring continued conflict. A protester briefly raised a “Recognize Palestine” sign before ejection.
Trump called the truce his toughest deal yet, eyeing the Russia-Ukraine conflict next. Netanyahu stayed home to ease coalition tensions, keeping focus on unity. As Palestinians return to rebuild, cautious hope persists.
This agreement, forged through tough diplomacy, offers a chance for lasting calm. With further phases ahead, the summit’s momentum could reshape the region, if commitment holds strong.
Trump’s Knesset Speech Interrupted Amid Israel–Hamas Peace Deal Talks
