WASHINGTON, D.C. Oct 12, 2025 – U.S President Donald Trump is set to deliver a historic address to Israel’s Knesset on Monday, celebrating the U.S.-brokered ceasefire that has brought an end to the 18-month Gaza conflict.
The agreement, which took effect last week, marks a pivotal moment in the region, halting hostilities that claimed over 40,000 Palestinian lives and 1,200 Israeli ones. In a landmark exchange, the deal triggers the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, while Israel will free 250 Palestinian prisoners—including 15 permitted to return to East Jerusalem and 100 to the West Bank.
Trump’s speech in Jerusalem underscores the administration’s role in mediating the truce, building on the Abraham Accords he championed during his first term to foster broader normalization between Israel and Arab states. “This is peace through strength, and it’s just the beginning,” a White House official said, highlighting the deal’s potential to reshape Middle East dynamics.
Following the Knesset address, Trump will travel to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, for an international summit with world leaders focused on postwar reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The gathering aims to coordinate aid, infrastructure rebuilding, and economic initiatives to prevent a return to violence.
The ceasefire has been hailed as a diplomatic triumph for the Trump administration, though challenges remain in ensuring long-term stability amid ongoing regional tensions. Analysts note that the hostage-prisoner swap and reconstruction pledges could pave the way for renewed peace talks, echoing the accords’ success in 2020.