Former Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and Condoleezza Rice passionately praised President Trump on Friday for spearheading the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, igniting hope for peace in a volatile region.
Clinton, in a vibrant CBS News interview, celebrated the deal as “a bold and crucial first step,” applauding Trump, his administration, and regional Arab leaders for their commitment to a 20-point plan that charts a course for Gaza’s future. “This ceasefire could finally end the conflict,” she declared with optimism.
Under the agreement, Israel will withdraw its forces to a designated line in Gaza, halt military strikes, and release 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. In return, Hamas will free all hostages, living and deceased, paving the way for Gaza’s eventual governance by an independent Palestinian body, a deal masterfully brokered by the Trump administration.
Rice, speaking with CBS anchor Norah O’Donnell, expressed cautious hope, noting the Middle East’s turbulent history makes permanent stability uncertain. Yet, she highlighted “promising elements” that could drive success. Reflecting on her time under President George W. Bush, Rice pointed to challenges in reforming the Palestinian Authority, which lost control of Gaza in 2006. “It needs fresh, younger leadership,” she urged, advocating for engaging Palestinians abroad to foster a new generation of leaders who can “own this solution.”
Clinton, however, voiced skepticism about dismantling Hamas, the Iran-backed militant group, and rebuilding Gaza. “I have no faith that Hamas is ready to reform or prioritize a better future for Palestinians,” she told O’Donnell, stressing the need for vigilance in decommissioning the group. She noted the agreement allows Hamas members safe passage to leave, a step she hopes many take.
Earlier this year, Clinton expressed confidence in Trump’s potential to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, even vowing to nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize if successful. Though the Nobel Committee awarded the 2025 prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, Clinton and Rice remain steadfast in supporting Trump’s Middle East efforts, bolstered by his alliance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and backing from Egypt and Qatar.
“The stars are aligned like never before,” Clinton proclaimed. “Israel’s government must seize this moment, and both sides need to make tough choices to build a new transitional authority for Palestinians and secure lasting change.”
