'8 wars' claim, pardon for Netanyahu and rebuilding Gaza: What Trump said after ceasefire success

US President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated his claim that he had "ended eight wars in eight months." He was speaking in Israeli Parliament to celebrate the return of hostages from Gaza, calling it a moment of peace for the Middle East.

Trump also urged the Palestinians to turn from the path of terror and violence, while promising to rebuild Gaza. He asked them to focus on rebuilding and "building their people up".

He also praised the Arab and Muslim leaders who mediated the deal. "Let me also convey my tremendous appreciation for all of the nations of the Arab and Muslim world that came together to press Hamas to set the hostages free and to send them home," he said.

The US president then asked Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon PM Benjamin Netanyahu in the corruption charges. Netanyahu's trial started in 2020 and he is accused of fraud, bribery and breach of trust in three separate cases. The Israeli PM has denied all the charges and had pleaded not guilty.

This comes as 20 hostages were released on Monday as part of the first phase of the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel. In return, Israel wwill release more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Besides, 250 Palestinians convicted over attacks that killed or injured Israelis will also be released.

Talking about Iran, Trump said "it would be great if we could make a peace deal with them. I think they want to, I think they're tired... They want to survive. The last thing they want to do is start digging holes again in mountains that just got blown up."

"We are ready when you are and it will be the best decision that Iran has ever made, and it's going to happen," the president said. But he then pointed out that "first, we have to get Russia done."

Middle East