Clinton Offers Unusual Praise for Trump’s Role in Gaza Peace Breakthrough

Hillary Clinton delivered an unexpected compliment to former President Donald Trump over his handling of the Gaza peace agreement in a recent interview, acknowledging that his administration played a critical role in moving a long‑stalemated conflict forward.

“I really commend President Trump and his administration,” Clinton told CBS News 24/7 Friday.
“As well as Arab leaders in the region, for making the commitment to the 20‑point plan and seeing a path forward for what’s often called the day after.”

Her remarks came just a day after Hamas formally accepted Trump’s peace proposal, a dramatic development that could bring an end to over two years of conflict in Gaza.

Details of the Deal

Under the agreement now widely celebrated by both Israelis and Gazans, Hamas would release the remaining 48 Israeli hostages as early as Monday. In return, Israel is expected to begin a phased withdrawal of its military from Gaza. The accord also includes provisions for Hamas to be disarmed, and a transitional body—governed by an international coalition—will oversee Gaza’s administration. The establishment of an independent Palestinian state is framed as a future aspiration, though the precise mechanics are still being negotiated.

Clinton, who championed a two‑state solution during her tenure as Secretary of State under President Obama, called on the Trump administration to ensure both Israel and Gaza adhere to the terms. She also urged the international community to help enforce accountability across all parties.

“Let’s now support this process and bring it together, not just in a nonpartisan way in our own country, but literally internationally as a great global commitment to try to bring peace, security, stability and a better future to the Middle East,” she told the outlet.

She also praised what she saw as a smart move by the Trump team to draw Israel back into negotiations. Earlier, in September, Israeli strikes targeted Hamas leadership during peace talks in Qatar. By pausing those operations, Trump created space for further diplomatic engagement.

“That provided an opening for both President Trump and his representatives to marshal all of the regional powers … to make it clear to Israel, ‘No, this is now enough. We cannot continue this. This conflict needs to end, and we’ve got to move on,’” she said.

Bipartisan Applause—and Hesitation

Clinton wasn’t the only Democrat to recognize Trump’s role in the deal. Jake Sullivan, who served as National Security Adviser under President Biden, credited Trump—though cautiously—for helping to finalize the agreement.

“It’s only now, after all that time, that we have gotten to a deal,” he said, sidestepping his own party’s relative inactivity on peace talks.

Former President Barack Obama also praised the agreement in a post on X (formerly Twitter), though he notably omitted any direct reference to Trump’s involvement.

Shifting Narratives and Surprising Alignment

For Clinton—long an ideological and political rival of Trump—to issue praise for his foreign policy maneuver marks a remarkable shift. Her comments suggest that, at least in this case, she views the Gaza breakthrough as too consequential to allow partisan rivalry to obscure the achievement.

The context is important: the conflict in Gaza has drawn global attention and deepened regional instability, and the timing of the deal appeared almost sudden to many observers. The alignment of key Arab states, and their acceptance of a 20-point plan backed by Trump, granted added weight to the agreement.

But the deal’s true test will lie in implementation. Disarmament, transitional governance, and the long-term political realities of Gaza remain open questions—matters that will require constant diplomatic and logistical oversight.

The Stakes Ahead

• Hostage release: The remaining 48 Israeli captives are to be freed soon under the agreement.

• Withdrawal: Israel will begin pulling military forces back under agreed lines.

• Disarmament & governance: Hamas is required to disarm, and an interim governing authority will manage Gaza.

• Statehood vision: The plan frames future establishment of a full Palestinian state as a goal, but leaves detailed designs for later talks.

Clinton’s recognition and praise don’t come without political risk—especially from within her party—but they reflect a broader acknowledgment of diplomacy’s breakthrough in one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.