“I’m All About Stopping War”: Trump Amid Cheers, Claps And Call For Nobel

U.S. President Donald Trump praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying “Thank you very much, Bibi. Great job,” after the release of the final 20 hostages held by Hamas, under a ceasefire deal that Trump hailed as a turning point in the Middle East conflict.

Speaking at a special session of the Israeli Knesset, Trump declared that the “war is over,” describing the moment as “the historic dawn of a new Middle East.” He commended Israel’s leadership and acknowledged the role of Arab and Muslim nations whose mediation reportedly helped secure the truce and the hostages’ release. “The skies are calm, the guns are silent, and the sirens are still,” Trump said, emphasizing a future of peace and cooperation.

Trump highlighted U.S. efforts in brokering the ceasefire, claiming that many had doubted the possibility of such an agreement but that Washington’s persistence and “faith in peace” prevailed. He called the development a triumph for diplomacy and expressed optimism that Israel would now enter “a golden age, just like the USA right now.”

The American leader also extended an olive branch to Iran, saying that the “hand of friendship and cooperation is always open” should Tehran wish to pursue dialogue. His remarks, however, drew mixed reactions in the Knesset, with two lawmakers briefly interrupting the address while holding a sign reading “genocide.” They were escorted out by security officials.

The release of all 20 hostages marked a major milestone in the conflict that began in October 2023, following Hamas’s surprise attack on southern Israel. Trump received a standing ovation from lawmakers, with Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana suggesting his name be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump is scheduled to travel to Egypt next, where he and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will host a multination Gaza peace summit.