WASHINGTON — Former Vice President Kamala Harris publicly commended “the president” Monday night for helping to secure the release of the last 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas — but refrained from mentioning the name of the man who defeated her this past November.
Harris, 60, heralded the developments in the Middle East as “an important first step toward a more hopeful future.”
“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,” she said in a statement on X.
“I commend the leaders and partners whose efforts made this agreement possible, including the President and his team.”
Trump unveiled his 20-point peace plan to end the Israel-Hamas war on Sept. 29. Hamas ultimately agreed to it Oct. 8 and the Israeli security cabinet approved it the following day.
The two warring sides officially entered a cease-fire this past Friday and Hamas set the last 20 living hostages free on Monday ahead of Trump’s address to the Israeli Knesset and participation in the “Summit for Peace” in Egypt.
Harris had previously given Trump faint praise for his efforts to broker the peace plan, but similarly referred to him by his title only.
“I don’t think that we should hold in credit where it’s due,” Harris told MSNBC’s “The Weekend” in an interview that aired Sunday, after the anchor noted that Hillary Clinton had praised Trump.
“I really do hope it [the deal] becomes real,” she added. “I commend the people who have been a part of this process. I commend the Qataris, the Egyptians and the president.”
Scores of top Democrats had hailed the breakthrough between Israel and Gaza, but many had refrained from crediting Trump’s role in the process.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), even took swipes at Trump.
“Raising hell at home & then pretending to be the President of Peace is diabolical,” she jabbed on social media Monday afternoon.
Harris also cautioned: “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.”
The Israel-Hamas war had splintered the progressive base, creating yet another obstacle for Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign.
Former President Joe Biden, who also struggled with navigating the Gaza war, made sure to credit Trump by name.
“The road to this deal was not easy,” Biden said on X Monday night. “My Administration worked relentlessly to bring hostages home, get relief to Palestinian civilians, and end the war. I commend President Trump and his team for their work to get a renewed ceasefire deal over the finish line.”
