On October 13, 2025, President Donald Trump addressed the Israeli Knesset, announcing the conclusion of a two-year conflict and a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This declaration included the release of hostages and emphasized regional cooperation, building upon the framework of the Abraham Accords.
Story Highlights
- President Trump declared “the war is over” during a speech at the Knesset.
- A U.S.-brokered ceasefire was established, leading to the release of hostages held by Hamas.
- The announcement marks the end of a conflict that began with a Hamas attack in October 2023.
- Trump’s address advocated for regional cooperation and peace, referencing the Abraham Accords.
Trump’s Address at the Knesset
President Donald Trump delivered a significant address to the Israeli Knesset on October 13, 2025, marking a key development in Middle Eastern peace efforts. During his speech, Trump stated that “the war is over” and highlighted the successful U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which included the release of hostages held by Hamas. This address signified the cessation of a two-year conflict initiated by a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. President Trump urged adversaries to acknowledge Israel’s existence and called for increased regional cooperation.
Trump’s visit to Israel and his subsequent speech in the Knesset are viewed as a continuation of peace-building efforts that originated with the Abraham Accords. Through his involvement, Trump has been positioned as instrumental in mediating peace and facilitating hostage releases. This initiative underscores the role of U.S. engagement in the region and may influence future diplomatic interactions.
U.S. Mediation and the Abraham Accords
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has historically involved periods of violence and unsuccessful peace processes. The October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel intensified tensions, leading to an extended conflict. U.S. mediation during this period focused on ending hostilities and securing hostage releases, with the Abraham Accords serving as a diplomatic foundation. These accords, established in 2020, facilitated normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states, demonstrating the potential for regional change through U.S.-brokered agreements.
The successful ceasefire and hostage release have received positive responses from Israeli officials and some European diplomats. However, some skepticism persists regarding the long-term viability of this peace initiative. Despite the diplomatic achievement, issues such as Hamas’s disarmament and Iran’s regional influence remain unresolved. Critics suggest that without addressing these core concerns, the peace may be subject to instability.
Implications and Future Outlook
The immediate outcomes of the ceasefire include a halt to hostilities and humanitarian aid for hostages and their families. From a political standpoint, this development contributes to Trump’s image as a peacemaker and strengthens U.S.-Israel relations. In the long term, there is potential for expanded regional normalization, contingent on the resolution of underlying conflicts. Economic growth in areas such as trade, technology, and infrastructure may also occur if the peace endures.
As Trump advocates for broader regional cooperation, follow-up meetings are planned in Egypt to discuss further alliances. This momentum for peace, however, faces challenges from existing animosities and unresolved political issues in the region.
Watch the report: FULL SPECIAL REPORT: Trump touts ‘historic dawn of a new Middle East’ in Knesset speech
Sources:
- President Trump Delivers Remarks to The Knesset – The White House
- ‘Long and painful nightmare’ is over, Trump says, on historic day for the Middle East
- Trump urges leaders to put ‘old feuds’ aside as he calls for a new era of harmony in the Middle East
- Trump Addresses Knesset After Declaring Gaza War ‘Over’ | TIME