In a political moment few saw coming, former President Donald Trump received unexpected praise this week from two of his most outspoken critics — Hillary Clinton and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer — following the announcement of a historic peace deal between Israel and Hamas.
After nearly two years of devastating conflict in Gaza, marked by tens of thousands of civilian deaths and unprecedented destruction, the Trump-brokered peace agreement was signed in Cairo earlier this week. The deal includes a full ceasefire, the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the supervised return of hostages and detainees on both sides — a breakthrough hailed internationally as a potential end to one of the longest-running and most intractable modern wars.
Clinton, speaking during a policy forum in New York, called the agreement “an extraordinary achievement” and said it demonstrated “the power of sustained diplomacy, even under the most difficult political climates.” She added, “I didn’t always agree with President Trump’s methods, but I believe in giving credit where it’s due. This deal is a monumental step forward for peace in the Middle East.”
Schumer, who has often clashed with Trump over domestic policy and foreign relations, echoed that sentiment in a press statement from Capitol Hill. “If this agreement holds, it will be one of the most important foreign policy milestones in decades,” he said. “President Trump deserves acknowledgment for helping to bring the parties to the table and securing commitments that no one thought were possible just months ago.”
The deal, reached after marathon negotiations involving Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, establishes a multi-phase roadmap. The first phase, already underway, includes a ceasefire monitored by international peacekeepers. The second mandates the withdrawal of Israeli forces from much of Gaza, followed by the creation of a demilitarized zone along the border. A third phase aims to rebuild Gaza’s infrastructure with joint funding from the U.S., the European Union, and Gulf states.
Trump announced the agreement on his social media platform Truth Social, writing: “This is not just peace between nations — this is peace between people. I want to thank all the brave leaders who worked with us to make this happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”
While supporters celebrated the moment as a defining legacy achievement, critics warned that sustaining the deal would be the real test. Former Obama-era diplomat Wendy Sherman said, “Getting Hamas and Israel to sign a ceasefire is one thing. Ensuring compliance, trust, and security guarantees will be far harder.”
Still, global reactions have been largely positive. The United Nations commended the deal as a “turning point for the region.” European leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Olaf Scholz, issued statements applauding Trump’s “decisive role” in facilitating the process. Even Iranian officials cautiously welcomed what they described as a “path toward stability.”
Back in Washington, the bipartisan tone has surprised even seasoned observers. For years, Trump’s approach to Middle East diplomacy — particularly his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital — was viewed as inflammatory. Yet the same boldness that drew criticism appears to have contributed to the current breakthrough.
Hillary Clinton reflected on that irony in her remarks: “Sometimes diplomacy requires disruption. Trump’s methods were unconventional, and at times divisive, but this result proves that unconventional approaches can sometimes move the world forward.”
Analysts say the moment could reshape Trump’s global image and possibly influence American politics as the next election approaches. Polls show an uptick in approval among independent voters, with even some Democrats acknowledging his achievement.
For now, though, the focus remains on the fragile peace taking root in Gaza. Aid convoys have begun entering the strip, hostages are being reunited with families, and international observers are monitoring compliance on both sides.
Trump, for his part, says he’s not looking for recognition — though he hinted that he wouldn’t mind one. “I don’t do it for awards,” he told reporters with a smile. “But I will say this: it’s probably the biggest peace deal in a hundred years — maybe ever.”
Even among skeptics, few could deny that the image of Trump being publicly commended by Clinton and Schumer marks an extraordinary political moment — one that, for the first time in years, made Washington sound united.
