Democrats recognize a pivotal moment, but warn of ongoing hurdles
Democratic senators on Thursday acknowledged President Donald Trump’s role in brokering phase one of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, while cautioning that the path ahead remains fraught with obstacles. The remarks underscored a nuanced stance: give credit where it’s due, but resist rushing to accolades or assuming the agreement will hold under pressure.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said he’s “waiting to exhale” until Hamas actually returns Israeli hostages. He added that once the hostage releases occur, there will be credit for Trump “and for others who participated in this really monumental accomplishment.” Yet Blumenthal stressed that the full implementation would require overcoming several hurdles, and that bipartisanship would be essential to keep momentum going.
Other Democrats echoed the sentiment that while praise is warranted when as progress is made, the job is not finished. Sen. Durbin, the Senate Minority Whip, said Trump deserves credit if the plan produces results “if it works,” but urged not to get ahead of the process. “We’re at the earliest stages of a proposed peace plan. I want it to work. Let’s watch and see,” Durbin said.
Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia likewise offered measured praise, lauding Trump and his team but emphasizing that the ultimate tests will be in the implementation: hostage releases, humanitarian aid, and long-term prospects for a durable peace. Ends the war, delivers hostages, and ensures aid—these are the gravity points, Kaine indicated, signaling cautious optimism anchored in observable progress.
The public narrative from Capitol Hill contrasted with Trump’s own messaging. On Truth Social, he announced that Israel and Hamas had signed off on phase one of the peace plan, asserting that all hostages would be released “very soon” and that Israeli troops would withdraw to an agreed line as “the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.” The claim of a comprehensive breakthrough set the stage for how lawmakers would respond in the days ahead.
Will the prize be awarded? Democrats refrain from endorsing a Nobel discussion
When asked about the possibility that Trump could receive the Nobel Peace Prize, several Democratic lawmakers urged restraint. “There’ll be plenty of time to decide what prizes, recognitions, honors should go to world leaders who have participated,” Blumenthal said, signaling that the matter is premature and not a foregone conclusion. Durbin also cautioned against premature conclusions, noting that the process is in its early stages and needs bipartisan support to endure political and practical challenges.
On the Republican side, some allies of Trump joined the conversation with optimism. Sen. Lindsey Graham called the deal a “major breakthrough on a human level” and said efforts to iron out disarmament details would be crucial to ensure Hamas cannot threaten either side in the future. Graham suggested that phase one could justify further work, while refraining from declaring a Nobel verdict ahead of the next steps. Other Republicans, like Sen. Rick Scott, expressed cautious hope that the agreement would withstand scrutiny and deliver tangible improvements for Gaza’s civilians.
Next steps and the broader political calculus
The immediate next steps involve Israeli approval at a security cabinet level and a full government vote, followed by the actual implementation of a Gaza ceasefire. Officials described a process in which both sides would negotiate terms, monitor compliance, and address humanitarian needs, with international observers likely playing a role. Analysts say that the success or failure of the next phase will shape not only regional stability but also political narratives in Washington about diplomacy, leadership, and the role of the United States in mediating conflicts.
Ultimately, Democrats emphasized accountability and practical progress. By acknowledging Trump’s signaling role while insisting on concrete results, lawmakers aim to keep the focus on the people affected by the conflict and the real-world impact of a ceasefire—not on awards or headlines alone.
