Ford Jr. Comments on Trump’s Israel-Hamas Peace Deal

On Thursday, former Democratic Congressman Harold Ford Jr. discussed on Fox News’ “The Five” the recent peace deal between Israel and Hamas, attributing it to former President Donald Trump, claiming President Joe Biden wouldn’t have been able to secure such an agreement.

Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, stating that Israel and Hamas have agreed on the initial phase of a U.S.-backed plan. Guest host Dana Perino noted that while there are still steps ahead, this deal brings hope for the Middle East.

“I think the president deserves credit for what he’s done—even last month. We may have, perhaps, shown a montage that wasn’t entirely fair, but it highlighted some crucial points,” Ford Jr. mentioned. “For us to advance, a ceasefire and the release of hostages are crucial. What would disarming Hamas entail? And what political setups will be established in Gaza? We hope Hamas doesn’t play a role in that.”

This comes as, last week, in anticipation of the second anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war, Hamas hinted at an agreement to release hostages and step down in a ceasefire initiated by Trump.

On the same day, the Israeli Cabinet endorsed the first phase of the peace plan, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed a “framework” for the release of hostages, whether they are alive or deceased.

As reported by CBS News, Israeli military forces are expected to withdraw to a designated line in Gaza within a day. Following this, Hamas will be given 72 hours to free the hostages.

Ford Jr. also asked pivotal questions regarding Israel’s military and economic future, as well as who would take the lead in rebuilding Gaza to fulfill the vision expressed by Trump during a press conference.

He went on to say, “To both Democrats and Republicans, I agree with David Ignatius. Joe Biden couldn’t have achieved this, at least not in his first term, and Trump’s recent actions differ significantly from what we’ve seen in the past few months.” He emphasized the ongoing months would be as critical, if not more so, than the celebratory moments from the current deal.

In an interview with Sean Hannity, Trump stated that he expects all hostages held by Hamas—whether dead or alive—to be released soon. He expressed that the grieving parents of victims share a common goal of wanting their children home, regardless of their current status.