US President Donald Trump has proclaimed the start of a historic dawn in the Middle East in what some say could be a turning point in diplomacy in the region amid questions on whether it will renew a push to end Russia's war against Ukraine.
The US leader laid out his vision for Middle East peace in a speech to Israel's parliament, the Knesset, on October 13 to mark the return of hostages released by Hamas, listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, under a deal that he has championed.
Today, the skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still, and the sun rises on a Holy Land that is finally at peace, Trump declared in his speech, which was briefly interrupted by heckling from an opposition lawmaker.
Trump also referred to the war in Ukraine, telling legislators: I thought it would be easily settled. I thought it was a hell of a lot easier than doing what we just did very successfully with Israel.
In Tel Aviv, there were jubilant scenes as some 65,000 people celebrated the release of the 20 surviving hostages held by Hamas.
"I am so excited. I am full of happiness. It's hard to imagine how I feel this moment. I didn't sleep all night," said Viki Cohen, mother of released hostage Nimrod Cohen.
