By Sarah Roderick-Fitch
The Center Square

Hope and joy dominated the streets of Israel on Monday as 20 hostages were freed, and President Donald Trump addressed the State of Israel.

The remaining 20 surviving hostages being kept by Hamas for over two years were returned to Israel shortly before Trump addressed the Israeli Knesset in Jerusalem, in a historic moment as the region celebrates hopes for peace.

The president was welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who thanked Trump, calling him the “greatest friend the State of Israel has ever had in the White House.”

“No American president has ever done more for Israel,” Netanyahu told the Knesset.

Netanyahu thanked the president for his support of Israel, noting support for Midnight Hammer, which crippled Iran’s nuclear capabilities. In addition, he expressed gratitude to Trump for withdrawing from the “disastrous Iran nuclear deal.”

“I am committed to this peace, together we will achieve this peace,” the prime minister vowed.

The president emphasized the importance of peace in the region as he addressed the Knesset.

“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,” Trump told the Knesset. “This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East.”

The president noted the horrific events of Oct. 7, 2023, promising that Americans will never forget, saying the events of that day “struck to the core of humanity.”

However, Trump focused on a brighter future for the region, saying that it is “within our reach.”

“Israel has won all that can be won by force of arms. Now, it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East,” said the president. “Together, we have shown that Peace is not just a hope we can dream about, it is a reality we can build upon – day by day, person by person, nation by nation.”

The president told the Knesset that years of terrorism, “jihadism” and antisemitism in the region have failed, only delivering “misery, suffering, failure and death.” It has only “fomented hate.”

Trump even extended a hand in friendship to Iran, Israel’s largest adversary in the region, adding that the door for peace is always open – echoing similar comments made by the president two weeks ago at the White House during a joint press conference between Trump and Netanyahu.

The president argues that peace can be achieved in the region.

Trump told Palestinians that this is their chance to prosper.

“The choice for Palestinians could not be more clear. This is their chance to turn forever from the path of terror and violence… The total focus of Gazans must be on restoring the fundamentals … so they can finally have the better life their children deserve,” said the president.

“If safety, security, and co-existence can thrive here in the winding alleys and ancient paths of Jerusalem, then surely, peace and respect can flourish among the nations of the broader Middle East,” said Trump. “From the very first day that modern Israel was founded, we have stood together through thick and thin, through victory and defeat, through glory and heartache.”

The president concluded his speech, underscoring the relationship between the U.S. and Israel, noting that the two nations have achieved peace together.

Despite the speech being received with overwhelming welcome and applause, midway through the president’s speech, a couple of members of the Knesset were removed after interrupting the speech in protests, holding up a sign reading, “Recognize Palestine,” according to members of the press.

Trump briefly paused as two members were removed, but quickly brushed off the incident, saying, “That was very efficient.”

The president took time to thank negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as well as members of his administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Following the speech, the president will head to Egypt to meet with other international leaders from the Arab and Muslim worlds, as well as European nations, to attend a “peace summit.” The president described the groups assembled as the “richest” and “powerful nations.”

Netanyahu was invited to attend, but shortly before the president’s speech, it was announced that the prime minister wouldn’t be attending, citing the proximity to a religious holiday.

The president’s visit to the region marks the agreement of the 20-point peace plan between Israel and Hamas, leading to the return of the hostages and exchange of Palestinian prisoners, in addition to Israel’s withdrawal of its troops to an agreed-upon line.

The next phases will push to completely disarm Hamas and rebuild Gaza.