President Trump Advocates Peace in Middle East with Israel

Jerusalem, Oct 13 (AP) President Donald Trump addressed Israeli lawmakers on Monday, asserting that Israel had achieved all that it could through military means and now must focus on establishing peace in the Middle East following two years of conflict with Hamas and skirmishes involving Hezbollah and Iran.

Despite the fragility of the US-brokered truce between Israel and Hamas, Trump is eager to pursue an opportunity to foster regional harmony. “Generations from now, this will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change,” he proclaimed to the Knesset, where he was received as a hero.

“Israel, with our help, has won all that they can by force of arms,” Trump stated. “You've won. I mean, you've won. 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.” Trump also committed to aiding in the reconstruction of Gaza, ravaged by conflict, and implored Palestinians to “turn forever from the path of terror and violence.” "After tremendous pain and death and hardship, now is the time to concentrate on building their people up instead of trying to tear Israel down."

Trump intends to make a conciliatory gesture toward Iran, where he authorized strikes on three nuclear sites during a brief conflict with Israel earlier in the year. He emphasized that “the hand of friendship and cooperation is always open.” The US president will continue to Egypt for a summit with over two dozen other nations, although he joked about possibly being late due to extended discussions at the Knesset. "They might not be there by the time I get there, but we'll give it a shot," he quipped, lightly teasing Israeli leaders for their lengthy conversations.

While there was speculation that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might accompany Trump, Netanyahu's office later confirmed he would not attend due to the summit coinciding with the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah. On Monday, 20 hostages were released as part of an agreement to conclude the hostilities that started on Oct. 7, 2023, following an attack by Hamas-led militants. Trump might meet some of them at the Sheba Medical Center and had discussions with families at the Knesset.

Israeli lawmakers frequently chanted Trump's name and celebrated him with numerous standing ovations. Some attendees donned red hats resembling his “Make America Great Again” caps with the words “Trump, The Peace President.” Netanyahu praised Trump as “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House” and pledged future collaboration with him.

“Mr President, you are committed to this peace. I am committed to this peace," he stated. “And together, Mr. President, we will achieve this peace.” The situation remains delicate as Israel and Hamas embark on the initial steps of implementing Trump's plan's first phase.

The first phase of the ceasefire agreement includes the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas, freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, boosting humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza's primary cities. With families jubilant over impending reunions and Palestinians anticipating increased assistance, Trump believes there is a rare opportunity to transform the region and redefine long-standing relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

“The war is over, OK?” Trump assured reporters aboard Air Force One. “I think people are tired of it,” he added, expressing confidence that the ceasefire would endure. (AP) ZH ZH.

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