**Trump Calls for Middle East Harmony at Gaza Summit**

SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt — President Donald Trump urged leaders to set aside longstanding conflicts and embrace a new era of peace in the Middle East during a global summit focused on Gaza's future. Speaking on Monday, Trump emphasized the importance of moving beyond historical grievances. "We have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to put the old feuds and bitter hatreds behind us," he stated, calling on leaders to ensure that future relations are not dictated by past conflicts.

This summit follows Trump's recent visit to Israel, where he celebrated a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hamas. He expressed optimism about the potential for peace, stating, "Everybody said it’s not possible to do. And it’s going to happen. And it is happening before your very eyes." The summit included representatives from nearly three dozen countries, although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined to attend, citing the proximity to a Jewish holiday.

During the summit, Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani signed a document intended to lay the groundwork for Gaza's future, though the details of the agreement were not disclosed. Despite the ongoing challenges in the region, Trump remains committed to pursuing peace and stability.

In a speech at the Knesset earlier in the day, Trump declared, "You’ve won," addressing Israeli lawmakers and urging them to convert military victories into lasting peace. He pledged support for rebuilding Gaza and encouraged Palestinians to abandon violence. "After tremendous pain and death and hardship, now is the time to concentrate on building their people up instead of trying to tear Israel down," he said.

Trump's visit was marked by a release of twenty hostages as part of an agreement aimed at ending the conflict that began on October 7, 2023. He met with families of the hostages, who expressed gratitude for his efforts. The atmosphere in the Knesset was celebratory, with lawmakers chanting Trump's name and giving him multiple standing ovations. Some attendees wore hats that read "Trump, The Peace President."

Netanyahu praised Trump as "the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House" and expressed his commitment to working together for peace. Trump also took the opportunity to call for a pardon for Netanyahu, who is facing corruption charges, describing him as "one of the greatest" wartime leaders.

The situation remains delicate, with Israel and Hamas still navigating the initial phases of the ceasefire agreement. This includes the release of remaining hostages, the return of Palestinian prisoners, increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from key urban areas. Trump believes there is a unique opportunity to reshape relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors, stating, "The war is over, OK? I think people are tired of it."

The White House noted that Arab and Muslim nations are increasingly focused on resolving the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which could lead to improved relations with the United States. Trump previously envisioned Gaza as a potential tourist destination, referring to it as "the Riviera of the Middle East," but acknowledged the current devastation, saying, "It’s blasted. This is like a demolition site."

Negotiations regarding Gaza's governance, reconstruction, and disarmament of Hamas are ongoing, with the potential for setbacks. Israel has indicated it may resume military operations if its demands are not met. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with many residents facing severe shortages of food and supplies. As part of the ceasefire agreement, Israel has agreed to reopen five border crossings to facilitate aid delivery. Approximately 200 U.S. troops will assist in monitoring the ceasefire alongside international partners and organizations.