President Barack Obama's call for a "new beginning" between the US and Muslim world has been greeted by a largely positive response from groups across the Middle East.
Mahmoud Abbas, leader of the Palestinian National Authority, said the address displayed a shift in policy towards the Palestinian issue, while his hard-line Hamas rivals acknowledged it represented a change in tone.
And despite a warning that settlement building in the West Bank must stop, the Israeli government said it would lead to a "new era of reconciliation" with the Arab World.
The set-piece address at Cairo University marked the high-point of a two-day trip to the Middle East.
Prior to being delivered, the White House said the address was part of efforts to "change the conversation" with the Islamic community.
Broadcasters across the Middle East streamed the speech live to millions of homes, although in Iran would-be viewers found their reception was jammed, according to reports.
Those who were able to listen heard President Obama call for a fresh start in US relations with the Muslim world.
"This cycle of suspicion and discord must end," he said in the widely anticipated speech.
He continued: "I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world: one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based on the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive."
Mr Obama's speech carried a number of direct quotes from the Koran. On occasions, the visiting head of state had to break off from speaking to take in applause from the audience.
