Even during moments of global tension, Donald Trump has a way of drawing laughter from a crowd.
While delivering a high-stakes peace speech in Israel’s parliament, the former U.S. president decided to lighten the mood with a personal joke — and it happened to be about his daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner.
As the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas officially took effect, Trump stood before Israeli lawmakers and world leaders to discuss the historic truce.
But he paused midway to acknowledge the presence of his daughter and son-in-law, both of whom had joined him on the trip.
Trump’s Joke About Ivanka and Jared
“Let me also give a very special thanks to someone who truly loves Israel — in fact, loves it so much that my daughter converted,” Trump quipped, earning a round of laughter from the Knesset chamber.
Cameras quickly turned to Jared Kushner, who smiled and mouthed a polite “thank you” to his father-in-law.
Trump wasn’t done, though.
“I didn’t know this was going to happen,” he said, gesturing toward Ivanka.
“And Ivanka is here.”
The crowd responded with applause as the former president shifted from diplomacy to a bit of family humor.
Turning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump joked, “Bibi, you know this was not in the cards for me. She’s so happy, and he’s so happy — at least, I think they’re happy. If they’re not, we’ve got a big story!”
After the laughter settled, Trump made sure to clarify, “No, they have a great marriage. They’re best friends and have a very special relationship.”
The Peace Summit That Brought Leaders Together
Beyond the laughter, the day carried immense political weight.
Trump, along with the Egyptian president, chaired what was called the Summit for Peace — a gathering of global leaders aiming to solidify a long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The truce marked the end of more than two years of devastating conflict that had taken tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and left Israel mourning many of its own.
The ceasefire began with a major exchange: Hamas released the final 20 surviving hostages held in Gaza, while Israel started freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Scenes of Relief and Reunion
The emotional scenes on both sides were striking.
In the West Bank, cheering crowds greeted buses carrying newly freed Palestinian detainees.
Families embraced their loved ones through tears, waving flags and chanting in celebration.
Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, families of hostages gathered in a central square, erupting into cries of joy and relief as they learned that the last captives were finally coming home.
The freed hostages — all men — were taken to hospitals in Israel for medical checks before reuniting with their families.
Tragically, the remains of 28 others who died while in captivity are expected to be returned as part of the ongoing agreement, though the exact timing remains uncertain.
What the Ceasefire Means for the Region
The deal also included provisions for increased humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, where parts of the territory have been driven to the brink of famine.
While questions linger about the long-term future of Hamas and the political control of Gaza, the prisoner and hostage exchange offered a rare moment of hope in an otherwise grim chapter.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the same parliament where Trump spoke, pledged that his government was “committed to this peace.”
What’s Next?
As celebrations and relief sweep across the region, world leaders are now facing the challenging task of turning a temporary ceasefire into lasting peace.
Whether this moment becomes a true turning point or just another pause in the decades-long conflict remains to be seen — but for now, the world watches, hopeful that the laughter and applause in Israel’s parliament might one day echo in the streets of both Tel Aviv and Gaza.