Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised US President Donald Trump on Monday as 'the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House.' Netanyahu expressed these sentiments during a speech in the Knesset, with President Trump in attendance, highlighting the significant support Israel has received under the Trump administration.

According to Anadolu Agency, Netanyahu emphasized the unprecedented support, stating, "No American president has ever done more for Israel, and as I said in Washington, it ain't even close. It's really not a match." The prime minister welcomed Trump to Israel on what he described as a historic day, affirming that Trump's contributions would be inscribed in the annals of Israeli history.

The address followed the release of 20 Israeli hostages by Hamas, a gesture facilitated by Trump's efforts to broker an end to the two-year conflict in the Gaza Strip. The plan, announced last week, involved a phased approach to ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and gradual military withdrawal, marking a significant diplomatic achievement.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana also lauded Trump, referring to him as 'the best friend that the state of Israel has ever had' and 'a giant of Jewish history.' The acknowledgment underscores the deep political and strategic bond between the two nations during Trump's tenure.

The agreement's first phase, which took effect on Friday, has set the stage for further developments. Phase two envisions a new governance structure in Gaza, excluding Hamas, accompanied by a multinational force and the disarmament of Hamas, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape in the region.

Since October 2023, Israeli military actions have resulted in over 67,800 Palestinian fatalities, predominantly among women and children, leaving the Gaza Strip in a precarious state. The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis underscore the urgency and challenges of achieving lasting peace.