JERUSALEM — In a historic address to Israel’s parliament on Monday, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared the end of a “painful nightmare” as the final group of hostages returned home from Gaza and Palestinian prisoners were released under a ceasefire agreement he helped broker. Trump’s brief visit to Israel preceded a high-stakes summit in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh, where discussions on the future of Gaza and Middle East peace are set to take place. Speaking to Israeli lawmakers, Trump praised the resilience of the Israeli people, stating, “For so many families across this land, it has been years since you’ve known a single day of true peace. Now, the long and painful nightmare is finally over.” The ceasefire deal, which Trump played a pivotal role in negotiating, saw the return of the last 20 surviving hostages after two years in captivity. In Tel Aviv, crowds erupted in emotional celebrations, though the grief for those who did not survive remained evident. Under the agreement, Israel is set to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, with jubilant crowds in Ramallah welcoming the first group of freed detainees. Trump’s visit also highlighted his 20-point plan for Gaza, which includes establishing a new governing body and a multinational security force to oversee the territory. Despite ongoing challenges, including Hamas’s refusal to disarm and Israel’s partial withdrawal from Gaza, Trump expressed confidence in the durability of the ceasefire and the broader peace process. The summit in Egypt aims to solidify these efforts, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not attend due to a religious holiday. Trump’s Middle East diplomacy continues to shape the region’s future, even as uncertainties linger.