‘Ceasefire’ Democrats go quiet after Trump secures first phase of Israel-Hamas peace deal

WASHINGTON, DC: Despite previously demanding an end to the violence in Gaza, many Democratic lawmakers have gone quiet following Trump’s success in brokering a peace deal between Israel and Hamas, as announced on Wednesday, October 8.

The phase one peace deal includes the release of remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Trump wrote on Truth Social, "This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace."

Yet many lawmakers who had once loudly called for a ceasefire have yet to offer a reaction to Trump’s global peace efforts.

Some Democrats demanded ceasefire but are now silent after Trump's deal

Days after Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, killing civilians and taking both Israeli and American hostages, Democratic Rep Rashida Tlaib of Michigan sharply criticized then-President Joe Biden.

She blamed his refusal to push for a ceasefire, saying, “This is what happens when you refuse to facilitate a ceasefire and help de-escalate,” in reference to Palestinian casualties from Israel's retaliatory strikes.

Now, with Trump successfully brokering a ceasefire deal that includes the release of the remaining hostages and a withdrawal of Israeli forces, Tlaib has yet to comment on the president's efforts.

Similarly, Rep Delia Ramirez of Illinois, stood with colleagues outside the Capitol earlier this year, calling for “a ceasefire and an end to Netanyahu’s campaign to ethnically cleanse Gaza.”

But she has not responded to what many would consider a significant step toward that objective of securing the hostages' return, and advocating for the “safety, freedom, and self-determination” of the Palestinian people.

Rep Pramila Jayapal of Washington issued a statement on Tuesday commemorating the two-year anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attack.

In her remarks, she condemned what she described as “the genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza by the Israeli government,” and called for an “immediate and permanent ceasefire.”

However, she has not issued any public statement in response to Trump’s deal, though she has continued to speak out against Republicans over the ongoing government shutdown.

Back in March, Rep Betty McCollum of Minnesota also criticized Trump’s approach, urging him to “quit his bombastic rhetoric” and focus on restoring negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

Since the ceasefire agreement was announced, she has not made any public comments.

Democratic Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, who has frequently called for a ceasefire, has also remained silent in the wake of the recent agreement.

 Meanwhile, Democratic Rep Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania posted a video on Tuesday commemorating Hamas’s “brutal and barbaric assault on Israel.”

In her message, she expressed hope that peace talks guided by the president’s 20-point plan would lead to a ceasefire, the safe return of hostages, and much-needed humanitarian aid for Gaza.

Which Democrats responded to Trump’s phase one peace deal

Democratic Rep Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, a vocal advocate for the Palestinian cause, responded to the ceasefire announcement with cautious optimism.

She urged, “For the sake of humanity, let’s hope this will be a lasting and permanent ceasefire.”

While acknowledging the deal as a positive step, she emphasized the need for accountability, calling for justice for what she described as war crimes committed during the conflict and reiterating her demand to end the occupation.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also welcomed the agreement, describing Trump’s deal as “a very positive step in the right direction.”

He expressed hope, "We’re all hopeful that this agreement will be finalized, that the hostages will be released in a matter of days and returned home to their loved ones.”

Some Democratic senators praised Trump’s ceasefire deal but cautioned that challenges remain

Democratic senators cautiously acknowledged President Donald Trump’s role in brokering the first phase of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, while warning that the deal still faces significant hurdles.

Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said he’s “waiting to exhale,” noting that real credit will be due once Hamas follows through on releasing Israeli hostages. 

"There’ll be credit for President Trump, which he deserves, and for others who participated in this really monumental accomplishment,” Blumenthal said.

He also emphasized that challenges remain, adding, “There’s still some obstacles on the way there, and I hope they can be surmounted.”

While some of Trump’s allies have already suggested he should receive the Nobel Peace Prize, Democratic lawmakers refrained from endorsing that idea so soon after the deal was announced.

“There’ll be plenty of time to decide what prizes, recognitions, honors should go to world leaders who have participated,” Blumenthal remarked. He also stressed the need for bipartisan backing, calling the negotiation process “fraught with obstacles.” 

Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin acknowledged that Trump deserves credit, if the plan proves successful. “It’s off to a good start,” Durbin said, but urged caution. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’re at the earliest stages of a proposed peace plan. I want it to work. Let’s watch and see.”

Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia also praised the breakthrough, commending Trump and his team. “Obviously, we have to see how this progresses,” Kaine said. “But ending the war, hostage release, humanitarian aid, and then the next chapter," he said.