Israel invites Trump to address Knesset as Gaza peace deal gains momentum

New Delhi, October 10. As diplomatic efforts for a Gaza ceasefire gain traction, Israel has extended a formal invitation to US President Donald Trump to address the Knesset (parliament), in recognition of his role in brokering the emerging peace deal between Israel and Hamas.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, in a letter to Trump, hailed him as “the greatest friend and ally of the Jewish people”, crediting his leadership for paving the way toward a truce that could end nearly two years of devastating conflict.

“Your leadership, courage, persistence, and vision have led not only to a deal securing the release of all Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas on October 7, but also to an unprecedented regional agreement accepted by nearly every nation in the Middle East,” Ohana wrote. “It is therefore my profound honor and privilege to officially invite you to deliver a formal address to the nation before the Knesset.”

In his letter, Ohana lauded Trump for consistently backing Israel’s sovereignty and strengthening US-Israel relations. He recalled Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, move the US Embassy there, affirm Israel’s control over the Golan Heights, and spearhead the Abraham Accords.

“…You have demonstrated that under your leadership, America is not only a military superpower but a moral superpower as well – and that peace comes through strength,” Ohana wrote.

Early on October 9, Israel’s Cabinet approved the framework of a ceasefire plan backed by Trump, which seeks to end hostilities in Gaza and secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas. The decision represents the most significant step yet toward resolving the prolonged conflict that has ravaged the region since 2023.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the Cabinet had agreed to the “outline” of the deal, though key issues remain under negotiation – including Hamas’s disarmament and the governance of Gaza once the ceasefire takes effect.

The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has caused immense destruction in Gaza, with the enclave’s Health Ministry reporting over 67,000 Palestinians killed and nearly 170,000 injured.

The fighting has displaced millions, crippled infrastructure, and triggered global outrage, with protests erupting across major cities over the humanitarian toll. Israel has denied accusations of genocide, insisting its operations target Hamas militants.

Analysts say the Trump-brokered agreement represents the closest both sides have come to ending the bloodshed since the conflict began. If implemented, it could mark a turning point in one of the Middle East’s most enduring crises and potentially reshape the region’s political landscape.