U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed at the Israeli Knesset. AFP=Yonhap News. 

U.S. President Donald Trump declared a "historic dawn of a new Middle East" on the 13th (local time).

In his speech at the Israeli Knesset (Parliament), released by the White House, Trump stated this and boasted of his achievements, saying, "Centuries from now, this moment will be remembered as the beginning of all change," reported AP.

He also emphasized, "Israel has achieved everything it could through force. Now is the time to translate this victory over terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate achievements of peace and prosperity."

Addressing Iran, which the U.S. bombed directly for the first time in history in June, he said, "The hand of friendship and cooperation is always open."

Trump told reporters upon his arrival at the Knesset that Hamas would follow the disarmament plan, and when asked if the war was over, he replied, "Yes." Earlier, en route to Israel, he also told reporters, "The war between Israel and Hamas is over," according to dpa.

Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Knesset, welcomed President Trump to the parliament, saying, "We have eagerly awaited this day." Ohana praised President Trump as a "giant in Jewish history." As President Trump entered, lawmakers greeted him with a standing ovation and cheers.

U.S. President Donald Trump arriving at Ben Gurion Airport. AFP=Yonhap News. 

President Trump arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv about an hour and a half after the announcement that the Palestinian armed group Hamas had first handed over 7 surviving hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

He was welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog and his wife. After his speech at the Knesset, he is scheduled to visit Sheba Medical Center to meet with the hostages released today.

Hamas released all 20 surviving Israeli hostages today in accordance with the first phase of the ceasefire agreement based on President Trump's peace initiative for Gaza. The bodies of the remaining 28 deceased hostages are also expected to be handed over to the Israeli side, although the exact timing is unclear.

After concluding his schedule in Israel today, President Trump will travel to Egypt to co-chair a summit with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Sharm El Sheikh on the Red Sea coast for peace in Gaza.

Leaders from about 20 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, and Turkey, as well as United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, are expected to attend the meeting to express support for the ceasefire agreement reached by Israel and Hamas and discuss its implementation.

The Egyptian Presidency described the meeting as an effort to "strengthen efforts to end the war in Gaza and achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, opening a new era of regional security and stability."

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that attendees are expected to sign a document to end the war in Gaza.

Yonhap News