Trump responds to Bill Clinton's praise for his role in Gaza deal: 'Always gotten along with him'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump welcomed praise from former President Bill Clinton for his and his administration’s role in brokering the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal.

Responding to Clinton’s remarks, the Republican leader noted their long-standing respectful relationship, saying, “I’ve always gotten along with him.”

The 42nd president had earlier expressed relief over the release of hostages and the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Trump thought Bill Clinton's praise 'was very nice' 

President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday, October 13, responded positively to former President Bill Clinton’s recent praise of his role in brokering the Gaza ceasefire.

“I thought it was very nice, actually. And what is he doing? He’s telling the truth,” the POTUS said as he flew back to Washington, DC, after his visit to the Middle East.

Trump added, “I've always gotten along with him. He used to be a friend of mine. He came to my wedding, you know so did she [Hillary Clinton].”

“People don’t know that,” he continued. “But I’ve always liked him.”

Bill Clinton's remarks on Trump’s role in Israel-Hamas ceasefire

On Monday, former President Bill Clinton publicly praised Donald Trump and his administration for helping broker the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Clinton credited the US and its regional allies for their persistence in reaching the agreement.

Reflecting on the devastating impact of the conflict reignited by Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, he wrote, "The horrors of the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel and the conflict they reignited have resulted in unbearable human loss. It has been hard to watch and nearly impossible to rationalize."

Expressing relief over the progress made, he added, "I’m grateful that a ceasefire has taken hold, that the last 20 living hostages have been freed, and that desperately needed aid has begun to flow into Gaza."

Clinton also emphasized the need to turn this fragile ceasefire into a lasting peace that ensures “dignity and security” for both Israelis and Palestinians.

In praise of Trump, his administration, and others involved in brokering the deal, the Democrat wrote, "President Trump and his administration, Qatar and other regional actors deserve great credit for keeping everyone engaged until the agreement was reached."

Discussing the path forward, the former president stated, "Now Israel and Hamas-the support of the United States, the region, and the world-must try to run this fragile moment into lasting peace that provides for the dignity and security of both Palestinians and Israelis. I believe that they can get there, but only if they do it together."

Hillary Clinton commends Trump's efforts in Gaza peace deal

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also echoed the sentiment in an interview with CBS News. Calling the deal a "really significant first step," the 77-year-old praised Trump and his administration’s role. 

She also commended regional leaders for committing to the 20-point peace plan and for working toward a long-term solution.

“Most importantly, the conflict hopefully will end with the ceasefire. The hostages will be returned, and then the very hard work of rebuilding Gaza, of finding the kind of security that Israel and the Palestinians after Hamas deserve to have,” she further remarked.

Although Hillary acknowledged her long-standing political disagreements with Trump, she welcomed any action, regardless of the source, that contributes to peace and regional stability.