Trump says Israel and Muslim nations are celebrating together for 'first time' after Gaza deal

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MARYLAND: President Donald Trump expressed elation on Sunday evening, October 12, as he praised what he called a “first-time” joint celebration between Israel and Muslim countries.

Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One en route to Israel, Trump described the moment as “very special,” highlighting the simultaneous celebrations as a sign of growing regional unity.

Appearing upbeat and energized, the president's remarks came shortly after his announcement of a new phase in the Israel-Hamas peace deal, which will lead to the release of dozens of hostages.

Trump praises historic moment of unity between Israel and Muslim nations

Speaking to reporters, Donald Trump said, “This is a very special event. They had 500,000 people yesterday and today in Israel — and also the Muslim and Arab countries are all cheering. Everybody is cheering at one time.”

He emphasized the uniqueness of the moment, noting, “That’s never happened before. Usually, if you have one cheering, the other isn’t, the other is the opposite. This is the first time.”

Trump continued, “Everybody is amazed and they’re thrilled and it’s an honor to be involved. And we’re going to have an amazing time and it’s going to be something that’s never happened before. So I’ll see you on the plane, and we’re going to have a good time.”

The commander-in-chief was referring to a massive rally held on Saturday in Tel Aviv, where hundreds of thousands gathered to celebrate the expected release of 48 hostages from Gaza. Of the remaining hostages, 20 are believed to be still alive.

The rally came just over two years after Hamas-led militants crossed into Israel from Gaza, killing 1,200 people and taking hundreds hostage. During the event, the crowd erupted into chants of “Thank you, Trump! Thank you, Trump!” while Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, addressed attendees.

Jared Kushner and Trump highlight peace progress ahead of Middle East meetings

Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law and a key figure in negotiating the recent Gaza peace deal, addressed a crowd in Tel Aviv, saying he would wait until Monday to fully celebrate the agreement. Still, he praised the Israeli government and its people for their response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.

“Instead of replicating the barbarism of the enemy, you chose to be exceptional,” Kushner said. “You chose to stand for the values that you stand for, and I could not be more proud to be a friend of Israel.”

Meanwhile, during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One en route to Israel, Trump said his visit to the region aimed to unite leaders in support of ongoing peace efforts.

“We’re going to make everybody happy — Everybody is happy, whether it's Jewish or Muslim or the Arab countries,” Trump said.

He confirmed that after his stop in Israel, he would travel to Egypt to continue peace discussions. "We are going to Egypt after Israel and we are going to meet all of the leaders of the very powerful and big countries and very rich countries and others and they're all into this deal,” the 79-year-old added.

Trump's first stop is in Israel, where his official schedule includes meetings with the families of hostages and a speech before the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. Vice President JD Vance noted that Trump is also expected to meet with newly freed hostages.