Despite the devastation in Gaza, US President Donald Trump was met with celebration across parts of the Middle East this week as he visited Israel and Egypt to mark the signing of a ceasefire agreement.
Trump addressed Israel’s Knesset on Monday before travelling to Sharm el-Sheikh, where he joined regional and international leaders in formalising the truce that ended Israel’s two-year war on Gaza — a campaign that killed nearly 68,000 Palestinians, according to local officials and rights groups.
Throughout his visit, Trump portrayed himself as the architect of peace, declaring that the ceasefire marks the dawn of “a new Middle East.”
Here are five key takeaways from his remarks:
1. A “New Middle East” Vision
Echoing the language of past US presidents, Trump proclaimed the beginning of what he called “an age of faith and hope and of God,” describing the Gaza ceasefire as a “historic dawn” for the region.
“This is the end of an age of terror and death and the beginning of the age of faith and hope,” he said.
But while Trump hailed the deal as a comprehensive solution, Palestinian rights advocates warned that no peace can last without ending Israel’s occupation and settlement expansion. Israel continues to carry out strikes in Lebanon and Syria and expand settlements in the occupied West Bank.
2. A Public Call to Pardon Netanyahu
Trump lavished praise on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him one of the “greatest wartime leaders,” while downplaying his ongoing corruption trials.
In a striking moment, Trump turned to Israeli President Isaac Herzog and said:
“I have an idea: Mr President, why don’t you give him a pardon? Cigars and champagne — who the hell cares about it?”
The Knesset erupted in applause. Trump also boasted about the scale of US military aid to Israel, saying, “We make the best weapons in the world … and we’ve given a lot to Israel.”
Washington has provided $21 billion in aid to Israel over the past two years — weapons that human rights groups say were used to devastate Gaza.
3. Acknowledging Global Backlash
While praising Netanyahu, Trump admitted that international opinion had turned sharply against Israel after the Gaza war.
“The world is big and strong, and ultimately, the world wins,” he said, suggesting Israel’s reputation had suffered.
Several Western nations have recently recognised a Palestinian state, in part as a response to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Trump told Israeli lawmakers he advised Netanyahu to end the war before it further damaged Israel’s standing.
“The timing of this is brilliant,” he said. “You’ll be remembered for this far more than if you kept going — kill, kill, kill.”
Still, Trump insisted: “The world is loving Israel again.”
4. A Brief Message to Palestinians
Trump offered only a fleeting comment directed at Palestinians, urging them to focus on “stability, safety, dignity, and economic development.”
He did not acknowledge Israeli atrocities or Palestinians’ decades-long dispossession and occupation, which the International Court of Justice has described as apartheid.
“This is their chance to turn forever from the path of terror and violence,” Trump said, blaming Palestinian suffering on “hate” rather than Israeli policy.
At no point did he mention Palestinians’ right to statehood or self-determination.
5. Mixed Messages on Iran
Trump also linked the ceasefire to his June strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, claiming the attacks “obliterated” Tehran’s programme and helped pave the way for Arab-Israeli normalization.
“We don’t have Gaza and we don’t have Iran as excuses anymore,” he said. “All the momentum now is toward a great, glorious, and lasting peace.”
Despite his triumphalist tone, Trump said he was open to renewed talks with Iran:
“I’d love to take the sanctions off when they’re ready to talk. They can’t really survive with those sanctions.”
Israel’s attacks on Iran in June — just days before scheduled nuclear talks — killed top Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists, further complicating diplomacy.
Trump’s regional tour may have projected confidence and victory, but analysts and rights groups say his speeches reflected a one-sided vision of peace — one that celebrates Israeli strength while leaving unresolved the core issue of Palestinian rights.
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