Trump Declares Gaza War Over and Celebrates Historic Ceasefire
US President Donald Trump has declared that the long and brutal Gaza war is finally over following a US-brokered ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. Arriving in Israel to a hero’s welcome, Trump celebrated the end of fighting that left Gaza in ruins and thousands dead. He praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for what he called the “courage to choose peace.”
In a historic address to the Knesset, Trump announced, “The war is over,” describing the ceasefire as the dawn of a new Middle East. He received multiple standing ovations from Israeli lawmakers, who even called for his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. “After years of sirens and sorrow, the skies are calm again,” Trump said, marking what he described as a “painful nightmare finally over.”
While Trump insists the war has ended, Netanyahu has yet to formally acknowledge its closure. Facing pressure from far-right members of his coalition, he continues to claim the military campaign “isn’t over.” Despite this, Netanyahu expressed support for peace and thanked Trump for his leadership. The two leaders showcased unity, though differences remain about the future of Gaza and security assurances for Israel.
Trump’s administration aims to turn the Gaza ceasefire into a larger regional transformation. Building on his Abraham Accords legacy, Trump seeks to bring more Arab nations, including Iran, into diplomatic cooperation with Israel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in Egypt, “It’s not just about rebuilding Gaza; it’s about transforming the region.” Trump emphasized prosperity and peace as the ultimate goals of this new phase.
Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have shown willingness to fund Gaza’s reconstruction but demand firm guarantees that Israel won’t resume military action. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman seeks progress toward a Palestinian state before committing financially. Trump’s envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, are already negotiating with regional leaders to secure long-term commitments for stability and rebuilding.
Also Read: Israel-Hamas Hostage Swap Begins; Trump Declares Gaza War Over
In an unexpected diplomatic gesture, Trump addressed Iran directly, saying, “The hand of friendship is always open.” Despite past tensions, he suggested Tehran might soon join peace efforts. “We merely want to live in peace without threats,” he said, calling on Arab and Muslim nations to unite. Trump credited international mediators for pressuring Hamas to release all remaining hostages, hailing it as “a victory for humanity.”
Trump’s powerful speech at the Knesset was briefly interrupted by two lawmakers holding signs accusing Israel of genocide. Security quickly removed them, and the speech continued with applause. Trump reaffirmed his support for Netanyahu, even urging Israel’s president to pardon him amid his ongoing corruption trial. “Cigars and champagne—who the hell cares?” he joked, attempting to boost Netanyahu’s image.
Concluding his tour in Egypt, Trump joined President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and 20 regional leaders to plan Gaza’s future. He promised a “golden age for Israel and the Middle East,” predicting lasting peace through economic cooperation and diplomacy. “The world wanted peace, and now it’s here,” Trump said, calling the ceasefire “one of the most important days for world peace in 50 years.”
