Former President Donald Trump is earning unexpected praise from Democrats after mediating a peace deal between Israel and Hamas, ending two years of conflict. The war began after Hamas’s October 2023 attack that killed 1,300 Israelis and took over 250 hostages, leading to a massive Israeli retaliation in Gaza.

With Qatar’s help, Trump’s team secured a ceasefire that freed all 20 remaining Israeli hostages and over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Former President Bill Clinton said Trump and his team “deserve great credit” for their persistence, calling this a “fragile moment” that must become “a foundation for lasting peace.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the hostages’ release “a wonderful day” and thanked the administration for its efforts. Trump told Israeli leaders it was time to “move away from warfare toward diplomacy,” calling the agreement a turning point for regional stability.

Other Democrats, including Hakeem Jeffries and Barack Obama, welcomed the ceasefire and humanitarian aid flow, though they stopped short of directly praising Trump.

Asked about the future, Trump admitted uncertainty but said he would “continue supporting peace efforts,” hoping another Republican would “carry on his work” beyond his term.