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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Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
