Former Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday commended President Donald Trump and his administration for helping secure the deal that led to the release of 20 Israeli hostages held by Hamas — though she avoided mentioning Trump by name.
“I am thankful and deeply encouraged that this ceasefire has brought long-awaited moments of joy and reunion — as 20 Israeli hostages are finally reunited with their loved ones and Palestinian families and the people of Gaza begin to receive desperately needed relief from unimaginable suffering,” Harris said in a statement.
The release followed weeks of tense negotiations mediated by U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian officials. Israel launched a major military campaign after Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack, which left more than a thousand Israelis dead and dozens kidnapped.
“Through diplomacy and persistence, today is an important first step toward a more hopeful future. I commend the leaders and partners whose efforts made this agreement possible, including the President and his team,” Harris added, making clear reference to Trump’s role without naming him directly.
Harris, who lost the 2024 presidential election after President Biden ended his reelection bid and endorsed her, has since sought to project a statesmanlike tone on foreign policy. Her remarks mark one of the rare occasions in which she has publicly acknowledged Trump’s leadership since leaving office.
“There is still much more work to do to secure a lasting peace, ensure the safety and dignity of every innocent life, and build a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in freedom and security,” she said.
Reaction to the statement was swift and divided. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) criticized Trump, writing on X, “Raising hell at home & then pretending to be the President of Peace is diabolical.” But Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) struck a different tone, posting, “Credit to @POTUS for a breakthrough ceasefire of this awful war.”
The exchange underscored the complex politics of the ceasefire — a rare diplomatic success for Trump that even some of his fiercest rivals are finding hard to ignore.
