Obama celebrates Israel-Hamas peace deal: 'An end to the conflict is in sight'

Former President Barack Obama on Thursday celebrated the news that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace deal that sees all Israeli hostages released and Israeli forces pulled from Gaza.

President Donald Trump announced the agreement late Wednesday, which is the first part of his 20-point plan to bring peace to the Middle East. Israel and Hamas have been at war for over two years.

The former president did not credit Trump for the accomplishment, but said the United States should support Israel and Palestine in rebuilding Gaza.

"After two years of unimaginable loss and suffering for Israeli families and the people of Gaza, we should all be encouraged and relieved 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 posted on X.

"More than that, though, it now falls on Israelis and Palestinians, with the support of the U.S. and the entire world community, to begin the hard task of rebuilding Gaza – and to commit to a process that, by recognizing the common humanity and basic rights of both peoples, can achieve a lasting peace," he added.

The first phase includes releasing all Israeli hostages, both dead and alive, which Trump said he believes will take place on either Monday or Tuesday. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.