US President Donald Trump was greeted with applause and cheers upon his return to Jerusalem, where he delivered a speech before the Israeli Knesset.
"A beautiful place, a truly beautiful place," he said at the opening of his speech, describing the moment as "a day of deep joy and growing hope."
Trump enthusiastically announced the return of the hostages, saying:
“After two horrific years in darkness and captivity, 20 brave hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families. 28 precious others are finally returning home to rest in this sacred land forever.”
He declared that "the guns are silent" and that the region is now "at peace", hoping that it "will remain so forever".
Trump described this moment as the "historic dawn of a new Middle East," while praising Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
“He's not the easiest person to deal with… but that's what makes him great. That's what makes him good. Thank you so much Bibi, great job.”
There was also an interruption during the speech, when a left-wing Israeli MP intervened with objectionable chants and was escorted out of the room. The speaker apologized, while Trump responded with humor: "Very effective."
In closing, he emphasized that this moment “will be remembered by generations as the moment when everything began to change — and for the better.”
