A new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has brought peace to a region that’s seen too much violence. While many are celebrating the end of the fighting and the safe return of hostages, a strange debate has emerged in Washington: who should get the credit for this breakthrough?
On Tuesday, Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota and member of the progressive group known as “The Squad,” was asked a simple question: does President Donald Trump deserve any credit for the ceasefire? Her answer made headlines.
“I am really delighted that we are seeing that breakthrough,” Omar said at a campaign event in Minneapolis. But instead of thanking or even mentioning President Trump, she added, “I am hesitant to be too optimistic in congratulating anyone until we see lasting peace.”
Many saw this as a dodge. After all, just one day earlier, the last 20 living hostages held by Hamas were released as part of the deal. That didn’t happen by accident. According to multiple sources, President Trump and his diplomatic team worked behind the scenes with countries like Egypt and Qatar to help broker the agreement. Even some of Trump’s biggest political critics have acknowledged that.
Senator Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York and no friend of Trump, said, “Today is a wonderful day… I commend the enormous advocacy of the tireless hostage families, President Trump, his administration, and all who helped make this moment happen.”
Former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and even former President Joe Biden also gave credit where it was due. Vice President Kamala Harris said in an MSNBC interview, “I commend the people who have been a part of this process. I commend the Qataris, the Egyptians and the president.”
So why won’t Ilhan Omar say the same?
Her full response gives a clue. Omar said, “Lasting peace looks like there are no more bombs being dropped on innocent children… that there is accountability for the genocide that Israel has committed against the people of Gaza.”
That’s a serious accusation. Calling Israel’s military actions “genocide” is not only controversial, it’s not supported by most international legal experts. In fact, the United Nations has not declared the situation in Gaza a genocide, though it has raised concerns about civilian deaths on both sides.
Omar went on to say that peace also means not just freeing hostages taken by Hamas, but also those “held by the IDF and the Israeli government.” This appears to refer to Palestinian prisoners, many of whom were detained during or after the conflict, some of whom have ties to terror groups. Again, this is a complex issue, but it’s not the same as civilians kidnapped by Hamas during a surprise attack.
Still, Omar’s refusal to credit Trump isn’t just about politics. It reflects a deep divide within the Democratic Party. While many traditional Democrats, like Schumer and the Clintons, are willing to work with Trump on foreign policy when it gets results, far-left members like Omar and Rep. Rashida Tlaib often take more extreme positions. In their view, Trump’s support for Israel makes him part of the problem, not the solution, even when he helps bring peace.
But the facts don’t lie. The ceasefire is real. The hostages are home. And the rockets have stopped—for now. That didn’t happen because of loud protests or angry tweets. It happened because of quiet diplomacy, pressure on allies, and a serious effort by President Trump’s team to bring both sides to the table.
Omar’s silence on that speaks volumes. You don’t have to agree with Trump on everything to admit when he does something right. In this case, peace came through strength and negotiation. If that’s not worth a little credit, what is?
In the end, it’s not about who gets a pat on the back—it’s about keeping the peace. But if we’re going to be honest about the past, we have to be honest about the present. And the truth is, Trump made this ceasefire happen. Even his critics know it.