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Trump declares ‘dawn of a new Middle East’ in speech to Israel’s Knesset
President Trump told Israeli lawmakers on Monday that their country had no more to achieve on the battlefield and must work toward peace in the Middle East after two years of war against Hamas and skirmishes with Hezbollah and Iran.
Russia supports the Gaza cease-fire — 9:35 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Russia’s leading diplomat on Monday expressed support for the full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said “we very much hope that everything that has been agreed upon will be fulfilled.”
At the same time, he noted the importance to develop a plan for creating a Palestinian state in the future.Lavrov added that Moscow will be ready to join efforts to support any agreements if those involved ask for its assistance.
Hamas says it will release the bodies of 4 hostages — 9:28 a.m.
By the Associated Press
It was not immediately clear when the remaining 24 bodies would be sent back to Israel.
The families of the deceased captives have demanded the bodies be returned as part of the current ceasefire discount.
Trump leaving Israel for Egypt — 9:24 a.m.
By the Associated Press
After a lengthy speech to Israel’s parliament, Trump boarded Air Force One for a flight to Egypt, where he will attend a summit with many world leaders on Gaza.
On the tarmac, the president bid farewell to Netanyahu and his wife.
The Israeli prime minister was invited to the summit, but declined because it was too close to the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.
Trump then walked to the leading of the steps and pumped his fist while he pointed at someone, likely Netanyahu. He said, “Great job, Bibi, great job,” before stepping inside.
Trump’s plane will head to Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport for what the White House has billed as a “Summit for Peace.”
A hostage’s father fulfills a vow and stands up from wheelchair to hug his son — 9:05 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The father of one of the hostages who has spent years in a wheelchair after a car accident and stroke made a promise: when his son was released from captivity in Gaza, he would stand to welcome him home.
On Monday, in footage shown on Israeli media, family members sobbed as they helped Tal Kupershtein stand for a few minutes to hug his son, Bar, after he was released from two years in captivity in Gaza.
Tal Kupershtein also worked with a physical therapist to partially regain his ability to speak, so that he could advocate for his son, he said.
Starmer says UK ready to assist in Gaza cease-fire and removing Hamas weapons — 8:47 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer says that his country is ready to assist in monitoring the cease-fire in Gaza, offering the U.K.’s experience in Northern Ireland to help in the decommissioning of Hamas’ military capability.
Speaking at a summit in Egypt, Starmer said Britain was read to “play its full part” in ensuring that the current cease-fire results in a lasting peace.
“We stand ready in relation to monitoring the ceasefire and decommissioning Hamas capability and weaponry, and that’s drawing on our experience in Northern Ireland and the IRA, which we dealt with in particular in relation to decommissioning,” he said in a joint appearance with the emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
A key factor in the peace process that ended decades of conflict in Northern Ireland was the successful decommissioning of weapons held by the Irish Republican Army, a dissident group that sought to end British rule through violence.
German leader hopes Trump can immediately use his influence to end war in Ukraine — 8:43 a.m.
By the Associated Press
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says he hopes U.S. President Donald Trump will bring to bear the same influence on Russia’s government to end the war in Ukraine as he did on players in the Middle East to secure an end to fighting in Gaza.
Merz said he wants to use the opportunity offered by Monday’s summit in Egypt to discuss again with Trump “what we can do together to end that war,” which has been going on for 3 ½ years.
Merz added: “From this place, the signal goes out that if the world community stands together, it is possible. But it must not just be possible in this place – it must also be possible in other regions of the world, and for us Europeans this war in Europe is the biggest threat to our freedom.”
154 Palestinian prisoners deported by Israel arrive in Egypt — 8:30 a.m.
By the Associated Press
An Egyptian official says 154 Palestinian prisoners who were released and deported by Israel arrived in Egypt at the Rafah crossing with Gaza.
The freed prisoners were to be sent to third countries as part of the ceasefire discount between Israel and Hamas, said the official, who has direct knowledge of the discount’s implementation. He spoke on condition of anonymity because has not authorized to brief the media.
The prisoners were among more than 1,900 Palestinians being freed by Israel in exchange for Hamas’ release of its remaining hostages.
Trump wraps his speech to the Israeli parliament — 8:24 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The president concluded his rambling speech to the Knesset after a bit more than an hour.
His address was so lengthy that even after Trump said, “In closing” he continued for several more minutes.
Trump is still planning to head to Egypt for a summit later Tuesday featuring the leaders of many countries – though his trip is immediately hours behind schedule.
Freed Palestinian prisoners arrive in Gaza — 8:20 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Associated Press journalists saw buses carrying freed Palestinian prisoners arriving in Gaza’s southern city of Khan Younis.
The prisoners were released Monday morning from an Israeli prison as part of the ceasefire discount, which also saw the release of hostages held by Palestinian militants. They arrived at Nasser Hospital, where giant crowds were gathered to greet them.
Trump calls for a pardon for Netanyahu on corruption charges — 8:22 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The president even waded into Israeli domestic politics, surprisingly urging the Israeli president to pardon Netanyahu on corruption charges.
“That was not in the speech as you probably know,” Trump joked of his prepared remarks. He added to Netanyahu, “You are a very popular man. You know why? Because you know how to win.”
Netanyahu became the only sitting prime minister in Israeli history to be indicted when he was charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three separate cases after yearslong investigations accusing him of exchanging favors with wealthy political supporters.
But Trump declared, “Whether we like it or not, this has been one of the greatest wartime presidents … and cigars and champagne, who the hell cares about that.”
Iraqi leader threatened to leave summit if Netanyahu attended — 8:14 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who traveled to Egypt to participate in a summit of world leaders aimed at solidifying the end of the war in Gaza Monday, informed Egyptian and U.S. officials that he would withdraw from the summit if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu participated, the state-run Iraqi News Agency reported.
Egypt’s presidency initially said Netanyahu would attend the summit, but Netanyahu’s office said Monday that he would not attend due to a Jewish holiday. The summit in Sharm el-Sheikh is co-chaired by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and U.S. President Donald Trump and will include around two dozen world leaders.
Trump jokes that leaders in Egypt might leave because he’s fallen so far behind schedule — 8:09 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump’s speech to Israel’s parliament was preceded by lengthy speeches from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Knesset speaker and the opposition leader.
Trump was mid-speech more than an hour after he was due to arrive in the Egyptian seaside resort of Sharm el-Sheikh to discuss peace in the Middle East with other world leaders.
“I’ll be going there. I’ll be quite late,” Trump joked. “They might not be there by the time I get there but we’ll give it a shot.”
Trump says Palestinians should concentrate on ‘building their people up’ — 7:58 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump’s speech to Israel’s parliament was preceded by lengthy speeches from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Knesset speaker and the opposition leader.
Trump was mid-speech more than an hour after he was due to arrive in the Egyptian seaside resort of Sharm el-Sheikh to discuss peace in the Middle East with other world leaders.
“I’ll be going there. I’ll be quite late,” Trump joked. “They might not be there by the time I get there but we’ll give it a shot.”
Even in Israel, Trump repeats his favorite, past political stories — 7:51 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump’s speech to Israel’s parliament featured many of his political greatest hits — anecdotes he relishes telling in nearly every address.
Diverting frequently from his prepared remarks about the ceasefire, Trump talked about his long friendship with Witkoff going back to the real estate business.
He mentioned how U.S. bombers that struck Iran were able to refuel in midair, and talked about how Gen. John Razin’ Caine once assured him he could beat back Islamic State forces in a matter of weeks.
Trump has since named Caine his chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
At one point, Trump urged Caine to stand, declaring: “This is a real general. This is not a television general.”As he continued to talk, Trump joked about running hours behind schedule, and laughed while blaming others who gave lengthy speeches before his started.
Trump addresses Netanyahu’s toughness — 7:40 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Amid his compliments toward the prime minister during his speech, the U.S. president had one friendly dig.
“immediately you can be a little bit nicer, Bibi, because you’re not at war,” Trump said.
Palestinians rejoice at release of prisoners from Israel — 7:37 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Palestinians in the occupied West Bank rejoiced as prisoners released in an exchange with Israel left Ofer Prison and arrived in Beitunia.
Waving flags and wearing keffiyehs, hundreds gathered outside the Ramallah Palace of Culture to greet them. Reports by human rights groups detailing conditions in Israeli detention have made Palestinian prisoners enduring symbols of their people’s struggle.
“It was an indescribable journey of suffering — hunger, unfair treatment, oppression, torture and curses — more than anything you could imagine,” said Kamal Abu Shanab, a 51-year-old Fatah member from Tulkarem.
His face gaunt and his head shaved, Abu Shanab’s family said they barely recognized him. He said he lost 139 pounds (59 kilograms) during 18 1/2 years in prison. Most prisoners were serving long sentences for their involvement in deadly attacks against Israelis.
Trump says Kushner loves Israel so much ‘my daughter converted’ to Judaism — 7:28 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The president saluted his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, for helping to broker the ceasefire and talked specifically about how much Kushner loves Israel.
He said Kushner “in fact, loves it so much that my daughter converted,” with a laugh.
Trump noted that his daughter, Ivanka Trump — who converted in 2009, before marrying Kushner — was among those in the audience.
He said of his daughter and Kushner, “They have a great marriage, and they get along great.”
Trump speech briefly interrupted — 7:27 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The U.S. president’s remarks were briefly stopped when two members of the Knesset staged a protest were subsequently removed from the chamber.
Ofer Kassif and Aymen Odeh, members of the joint Hadash-Taal rave, were escorted out. One had held up a small sign saying “Genocide.”
As they were being removed, other members of the Knesset chanted “Trump! Trump! Trump!”
Remarking on how quickly the protesters were removed, Trump noted: “That was very efficient.”
Palestinian president arrives for summit in Egypt — 7:26 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh resort to attend a summit that is expected to endorse President Donald Trump vision for peace in the region.
Abbas was received by Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi on Monday as world leaders began arriving for the meeting that will be co-chaired by Trump and el-Sissi.
Trump says Netanyahu isn’t ‘the easiest guy to discount with’ — 7:16 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The president began his remarks by praising “20 courageous hostages” who he said are “returning to the glorious embrace of their families. And it is glorious.”
Trump also saluted Israel’s prime minister for his role in the ceasefire agreement — but couldn’t help but offer a backhanded compliment, too.
“He’s not the easiest guy to discount with, but that’s what makes him great,” Trump said. “Thank you very much, Bibi. great job.”
Trump begins Knesset speech — 7:11 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The president took the podium after an address to the Israeli parliament by Netanyahu, which concluded with Trump getting up from his seat and shaking hands with the prime minister, before embracing him.
That embrace prompted chants of “Trump! Trump! Trump!”
Trump later started his own remarks by saying, “It’s a great honor” and calling the Knesset a “nice place.”
Families say 4 bodies of deceased hostages expected to return to Israel Monday —7:07 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The Hostages Family Forum, which represents many of the hostage families, said they were “shocked and dismayed” that only four bodies of deceased hostages will be returned to Israel Monday.
Militants are holding a total of 28 bodies of deceased hostages in Gaza. The forum called it a “blatant violation of the agreement by Hamas,” and resolved not to give up until every hostage is returned.
Netanyahu: ‘It’s a moment of indescribable joy’ — 6:51 a.m.
By the Associated Press
“I’ve never seen anyone move the world so quickly, so decisively, so resolutely, as our friend Donald J Trump,” Netanyahu said in his speech, noting that he’s seen a lot of U.S. presidents because he’s been around for a long time.
Then, saluting the return of all remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, the Israeli prime minister said: “It’s a moment of indescribable joy.”
Netanyahu also told Trump, “You brought America back again, to the driver’s seat.”
The bodies of 60 Palestinians recovered in Gaza — 6:48 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Gaza’s Health Ministry says the bodies of 60 Palestinians have been recovered from under the rubble of destroyed buildings and brought to hospitals in the last 24 hours.
That brought the number of recovered bodies to 200 in the past four days since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect and Israeli troops pulled back from some parts of Gaza.
The ministry says many dead are still under the rubble, particularly in areas inaccessible to first responders.Israel’s campaign in Gaza killed more than 67,800 Palestinians, according to the health ministry. The ministry doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants but says around half of the dead were women and children.
Iran declines invitation for Gaza summit — 6:44 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said it declined an invitation to attend the Sharm el-Sheikh summit in Egypt, based on its interests as well as U.S. “unilateralistic policy.”
The spokesman for the ministry, Esmail Baghaei, told reporters that the decision came after discussion both inside the ministry and other decision-making bodies in the country. “Positive and negative dimensions of any decision including participation and avoiding participation were calculated and eventually led to a decision that secures betterments and interests of the country.”
Netanyahu says he is committed to peace — 6:40 a.m.
By the Associated Press
He added: “Today, the Jewish calendar marks the end of two years of war.”
The ceasefire started on Friday and included the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for hostages. The later stages of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire are still being worked out.
Netanyahu switches to English to address Trump directly — 6:36 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The prime minister had been speaking to the Knesset in Hebrew, but said he wasn’t sure about how well the simultaneous translation might be working.
In English, he then listed off a string of Trump’s accomplishments going back to his first term before declaring, “Donald Trump is the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House.”
That prompted some in the audience to chant “Trump! Trump! Trump!”
“Mister president, you are committed to this peace,” Netanyahu continued. “I am committed to this peace, and together, mister president, we will achieve this peace.”
Knesset speaker has he’ll join legislative leaders around the world in lobbying for Trump to win a Nobel Peace Prize — 6:31 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Amir Ohana promised to pair with Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and others to try and push for Trump to win the prize next year.
The U.S. president did not win a Nobel Prize this year. But he’s since noted that the decisions were largely made prior to his administration brokering the ceasefire discount in the Israel-Hamas war.
Israeli parliament speaker jokes about Trump’s teleprompter being ready for action — 6:24 a.m.
By the Associated Press
In remarks as he prepared to introduce Trump, Amir Ohana joked that the teleprompter was “working beautifully.” Trump was set to address the parliament in moments.
His remarks recalled the teleprompter not working properly during Trump’s recent speech to the United Nations General Assembly. Trump has since called for an investigation, while suggesting he may have been the victim of sabotage due to the teleprompter issues and an escalator that stopped working.
On a more serious note, Ohana said, “Mr. President, you stand before the people of Israel, not as another American president, but as a giant of Jewish history.”
“What the world needs immediately are more leaders who are brave, resolute, strong and bold,” he said. “The world needs more Trumps.”
UN chief says he is ‘profoundly relieved’ — 6:15 a.m.
By the Associated Press
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says he is “profoundly relieved” that the Israeli hostages in Gaza have regained their freedom and will be reunited with their families after the “immense suffering” they have endured.
Guterres in a statement also reiterated his call for the release of the remains of the deceased hostages. The statement was issued from Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where world leaders were gathering to throw their weight behind the Gaza ceasefire discount.
“I urge all parties to build on this momentum and to honor their commitments under the ceasefire to end the nightmare in Gaza,” Guterres said. “The United Nations is working to support all efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and alleviate the suffering of civilians.”o fly to Egypt to participate in a summit with world leaders.
Knesset speaker calls Trump ‘the best friend that Israel ever had in the White House’ — 6:15 a.m.
By the Associated Press
“Mr. President, I would like to thank you that you granted the Knesset the honor that it is the first parliament you are visiting in your present term,” Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana also told lawmakers.
Those in the chamber gave Trump a standing ovation. Trump responded by standing briefly himself.
Netanyahu won’t attend summit in Egypt — 6:14 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Netanyahu’s office said Monday that he will not travel to Egypt for a summit on the Israel-Hamas war due to a Jewish holiday.
The statement came after Egypt’s presidency said Netanyahu would attend the summit.
The Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah ends the weeklong Sukkot holiday. It was on this holiday, two years ago, that Hamas launched the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that began the Israel-Hamas war. Jewish holidays run on a lunar calendar.
Trump enters Knesset chamber ahead of his speech — 6:01 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The president has entered the chamber of Israel’s parliament.
Sustained applause and blaring trumpets greeted Trump. The chamber was crowded with lawmakers but also U.S. officials — including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defense.
Dan Caine, the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, was also attending. Trump’s speech was set to begin far later than originally scheduled.
He met beforehand with the families of some of the hostages once held by Hamas in Gaza.Later on Monday, he was set to fly to Egypt to participate in a summit with world leaders.
Trump meets with hostage families before addressing Israeli parliament — 5:57 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The meeting took place at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, where Trump is set to begin speaking soon.
His time with the hostages was closed to independent media coverage.
Only Trump’s and Netanyahu’s government photographers were allowed in. A Trump aide posted a short video of the meeting prior to Trump’s speech, however.
It wasn’t immediately unclear whether Trump would be meeting with any of the hostages who were newly freed on Tuesday, as part of the U.S-brokered ceasefire agreement.
Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel arrive in West Bank and Gaza — 5:54 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Israel is freeing more than 1,900 prisoners and detainees on Monday after Hamas released all remaining living hostages held in Gaza under the ceasefire discount.
Trump to tell Knesset that ‘Israel has won’ — 5:48 a.m.
By the Associated Press
According to excerpts released by the White House, Trump will insist that “Israel has won all that can be won by force of arms” and “it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity.”
In a gesture to Iran, which fought a brief war with Israel earlier this year, Trump plans to say that “the hand of friendship and cooperation is always open.”
Egypt says Trump engagement crucial for Gaza ceasefire — 5:41 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Egypt’s foreign minister tells The Associated Press that the success of President Donald Trump’s vision for peace in the region is his continued commitment, including applying pressure on the parties, and “even deployment on the ground” of an international force expected to carry out peacekeeping duties.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said Monday it is crucial to ensure that Israel and Hamas fully implement the first phase of the ceasefire discount so that the parties, with international backing, can begin negotiations on the second phase. That “is more difficult, more complicated and we have to keep President Trump engaging. It is very, very important because it is all about his engagement.”
Abdelatty said for their part, Egypt and Jordan are scaling up their training of Palestinian security forces, which he said will eventually be supported by an international force to monitor the ceasefire and coordinate with Israel over its troop withdrawal.
By the Associated Press
A Hamas spokesman has welcomed Trump’s remarks that the war in Gaza is over.
Writing on the Telegram messaging app, Hazem Kassem urged mediators and the international community to ensure that Israel won’t resume the war.
Trump plans to hail a ‘historic dawn of a new Middle East’ — 5:35 a.m.
By the Associated Press
According to excerpts released by the White House, Trump will use his speech to the Knesset to say that, “After so many years of unceasing war and endless danger, 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.”
“This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East,” Trump’s prepared remarks say.
The president frequently diverts from his speech text as written. But his speech to the Israeli parliament is clearly meant to suggest that the ceasefire his administration helped broker could spark a deeper, lasting peace around a volatile region.
Palestinian prisoners leaving Israel as part of Gaza exchange — 5:35 a.m.
By the Associated Press
A convoy of Israeli vehicles, Red Cross jeeps and buses left Israel’s Ofer Prison for the occupied West Bank on Monday afternoon.
The buses carrying some of the 250 prisoners left after Israeli forces dispersed crowds on nearby hills with tear gas and sound grenades. The buses are headed to the center of Beitunia, the nearest Palestinian town, where friends and families await their arrival.
All living hostages are back in Israel — 5:31 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Israel’s military said Monday that all of the living hostages once held by Hamas had returned to Israel. The military made the announcement after the final group of 13 crossed the border.
Their return was a key part of the Israel-Hamas war ceasefire immediately being marked by a visit to Israel and Egypt by President Donald Trump. Israel is due to release over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners as part of the discount.
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