Harris praises Trump, aides for role in Gaza peace deal: ‘An important first step’

Former Vice President Harris praised President Trump and his administration for their role in Israel and Hamas agreeing to a ceasefire and peace deal. 

“Through diplomacy and persistence, today is an important first step toward a more hopeful future,” Harris said in a statement posted to the social platform X. “ I commend the leaders and partners whose efforts made this agreement possible, including the President and his team.”

Harris, who lost to Trump in the 2024 election, added that “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.”

In recent days, Israel and Hamas began carrying out phase one of the deal, backed by the administration, world leaders and regional partners. Israeli forces partially withdrew from Gaza and released roughly 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. In exchange, Hamas released all 20 living hostages and just four of the 28 bodies of deceased hostages — sparking an outcry from their families. 

The International Committee of the Red Cross told Reuters Tuesday that it may take weeks to find the bodies under the rubble in Gaza.

The next phase of the deal focuses on the future of Gaza, which has been devastated by Israel’s military operations since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. 

The plan calls for a temporary body, made up of Palestinian technocrats and international experts, to govern Gaza until the Palestinian Authority (PA) reforms itself. The PA governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. 

In January, as Harris and former President Biden prepared to leave office, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire deal. However, the deal fell apart in the ensuing months, with Israel and Hamas at an impasse on the release of hostages and prisoners, respectively, and the former continuing its military campaign in Gaza.