Trump receives standing ovation in Israeli Parliament
Speaker calls Trump “a giant of Jewish history"
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Tel Aviv: United States President Donald Trump received an extended standing ovation from Israeli lawmakers, as he addressed Israel’s parliament, the Knesset after Hamas released the remaining 20 hostages under a Gaza ceasefire agreement on Monday.
Trump arrived in Tel Aviv to a red-carpet welcome, aboard Air Force One and was accompanied by his special envoy Steve Witkoff, daughter Ivanka Trump, and son-in-law Jared Kushner. He was greeted by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, who hailed him as “a giant of Jewish history.” He was scheduled to visit Jerusalem for his address outlining his Middle East peace vision.
“Welcome to Jerusalem. Welcome to the Knesset. We’ve been longing for this day,” Ohana said, drawing applause from the chamber. In his remarks, Ohana compared Trump to Cyrus the Great, the ancient Persian ruler who allowed Jews to return to Jerusalem in the sixth century BCE, adding that “the world needs more Trumps, brave, resolute, and bold leaders who do not bow to appeasement.”
Ohana also announced that Israel would support a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for Trump next year, citing his influence on the region’s recent developments.
Addressing the assembly, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, thanked Trump for his administration’s support during recent joint US-Israel military operations and for recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. “Donald Trump is the greatest friend the State of Israel has ever had in the White House. No American president has ever done more for Israel,” Netanyahu said.
He credited Trump’s backing with helping Israel secure a second hostage deal “within weeks” of his election and for reversing diplomatic pressure on Israel during its conflict with Hamas. Netanyahu will not attend the upcoming ceasefire ceremony in Egypt due to the proximity of the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.
By Monday afternoon, the 20 freed all male hostages had returned to Israel for medical evaluation and reunions with their families. The remains of 28 others killed in captivity are also expected to be handed over under the terms of the agreement.
Following his address in Jerusalem, President Trump is expected to travel to Egypt to participate in the formal signing of the ceasefire accord alongside regional leaders.
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Three footballers of Indian origin named in squads for FIFA World Cup 2026
New Delhi: Three footballers of Indian origin have been named in preliminary or final squads for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held across the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
According to a report published by Mathrubhumi, Sarpreet Singh was included in the New Zealand national football team squad which was announced on Wednesday.
Born in Auckland to Indian parents, Singh was eligible to represent India through his family roots but chose to play for New Zealand. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder made his senior international debut in 2018 and has since become a regular member of the national side.
Singh has made 26 appearances for New Zealand and has scored three goals while providing seven assists.
Julen Lopetegui has included two players of Indian origin: Niall Mason and Tahsin Mohammed, in Qatar’s selections for the tournament.
Mason, a defender whose mother is Indian, previously trained in the youth academies of Real Madrid, Southampton FC and Aston Villa FC. Although he received his first senior call-up earlier this year, the Qatar defender is yet to make his senior international debut.
Tahsin Mohammed, 19, was born to parents from Kerala’s Kannur district. His father Jamshid is from Thalassery, while his mother Shaima belongs to Valapattanam. The winger became the first player of Indian origin to feature in the Qatar Stars League, Qatar’s premier domestic football competition.
Mohammed has made two appearances for the senior Qatar side, including in a World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan in June 2024.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by United States, Mexico and Canada.
