Former President Obama Praises Trump Over Israel-Hamas Deal

Former President Barack Obama surprised many on Thursday when he publicly praised President Donald Trump’s newly brokered Israel-Hamas peace deal — calling the breakthrough a “moment of encouragement and relief” after two years of bloodshed.

Posting on X, Obama said the world should be “encouraged and relieved” that the war between Israel and Hamas may finally be nearing its end. “After two years of unimaginable loss and suffering for Israeli families and the people of Gaza,” he wrote, “we should all be encouraged that an end to the conflict is within sight; that those hostages still being held will be reunited with their families; and that vital aid can start reaching those inside Gaza whose lives have been shattered.”

Obama added that it now falls on both Israelis and Palestinians, with the support of the U.S. and world community, to “begin the hard task of rebuilding Gaza — and to commit to a process that can achieve a lasting peace.”

The statement marked one of Obama’s most positive acknowledgments of Trump’s foreign policy to date. Since leaving office, Obama has largely refrained from commenting on Trump’s diplomatic initiatives — but the tone of his latest message suggested genuine approval.

According to former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes, the praise reflects “a recognition that any serious step toward de-escalation deserves support, regardless of politics.”

Even mainstream media outlets, typically critical of Trump, echoed the sentiment. On MSNBC, historian Jon Meacham called the deal “remarkable,” urging Americans to give credit where it’s due. “Even if you disagree with him on 99 things,” Meacham said, “when he does the hundredth right — you say so.”

President Trump, never one to shy from the spotlight, responded within hours. “Even Obama gets it,” he said from the White House lawn. “The world is safer today because America is leading again. The hostages are coming home, the bombs are stopping, and peace is possible — because we had the courage to act.”

The deal, which represents phase one of Trump’s new Middle East peace plan, calls for the release of all living hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza, paired with Israel’s partial troop withdrawal. It was negotiated by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff with backing from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

For Obama, who oversaw the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and often clashed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his words carried symbolic weight. Analysts noted that the former president’s message could encourage more bipartisan support for Trump’s efforts — a rare occurrence in Washington’s polarized climate.

“Obama understands that peace, even if achieved by a political rival, is bigger than politics,” said former diplomat Elliott Abrams. “That acknowledgment matters. It tells the world this deal has legitimacy.”

While Obama and Trump have sharply different foreign policy philosophies — Obama favoring multilateral diplomacy, Trump emphasizing direct American strength — both men share the stated goal of stabilizing the Middle East.

“Obama’s statement is not just approval; it’s an invitation,” said one Republican strategist. “He’s signaling to the international community that it’s time to support Trump’s framework — because, for once, it’s working.”

As hostages prepare to return home and ceasefire talks advance, Obama’s remarks have added unexpected moral weight to Trump’s initiative. For the first time in years, both former and current presidents appear aligned — however briefly — in their hope for peace in one of the world’s most volatile regions.