President Donald Trump on Monday hailed a “new beginning” for the region ahead of his historic address to the Israeli parliament, as Hamas released all 20 living Israeli hostages from Gaza.
Trump arrived in Israel just as the exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners began.
“This is my great honor — a great and beautiful day. A new beginning,” he wrote in a guest book.
The 20 living Israeli hostages were released Monday under an agreement aimed at ending the war sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack.
Israel also began freeing roughly 2,000 Palestinians — including 250 identified terrorists — as part of the exchange.
President Trump received several standing ovations from Israeli lawmakers after meeting with the families of hostages and preparing to deliver his address to the Knesset.
Watch the clip above.
President Donald J. Trump signs the guest book at the Knesset 🇺🇸🇮🇱
"This is my great honor – A great and beautiful day. A new beginning." pic.twitter.com/JZrhTm0JRU
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 13, 2025
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