By Matthew Holloway |
President Trump’s historic Gaza ceasefire deal, signed Monday with Palestinian leaders and Israel, has sparked rare bipartisan praise from Arizona’s elected officials.
Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ05) wrote from the gubernatorial campaign trail, “This incredible day is happening because of President Trump’s strength and determination to bring peace to the region.”
However, he has also raised the alarm regarding post-deal barbarism from Hamas, with reports of public executions in Gaza streets just hours after inking the treaty. “Hamas is carrying out barbaric executions… They must do so expeditiously or face consequences for violating the ceasefire,” he posted on X.
Kudos have poured in from Democrats as well, with Sen. Mark Kelly offering Trump a rare bipartisan praise. “I think he should get a lot of credit. I mean, this was his deal. He worked this out. He sent Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner over to negotiate this, and it so far has gone well,” Kelly told CNN’s Dana Bash on “State of the Union.”
Kelly hailed the hostage returns and the flood of aid trucks that “should have been happening over the last two years.” Kelly, however, cautioned, “I am concerned that they may change their minds here.”
Kelly posted on X: “After two years, this is a real opening for peace that will release the hostages and get desperately needed aid to civilians in Gaza. There’s a lot more work to see this through, but I appreciate the work of President Trump, the administration, and our international partners to reach this point.”
Senator Ruben Gallego notably avoided lauding the Trump administration in his statement on Monday, merely calling the peace “profoundly overdue.” He wrote, “After two long years, the final Israeli hostages have returned home. This day is profoundly overdue, and my heart is with the families whose unwavering hope and perseverance made it possible. Their return marks an important step toward peace. I remain steadfast in the belief that the United States must continue its efforts to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Palestinians and that Gaza is rebuilt.”
Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ08), who has been instrumental in the administration’s Middle East diplomacy, wrote a lengthy statement, saying in part: “In a day some thought would never come, the remaining Israeli hostages have been freed and returned to their families.”
Hamadeh added, “It was a day 737 days in the making and one that wouldn’t have been possible without the bold leadership of President Trump and the hard diplomatic work of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and the entire Trump Administration.”
Hamadeh asked God for blessings for the returning hostages, their families and the families of those whose remains were returned adding, “It is my fervent hope that the bodies of those who haven’t been returned are located and returned soon.” He concluded: “Blessed are the peacemakers who fought so hard on behalf of these families amidst overwhelming odds and overwhelming uncertainty.”
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen (R-LD14) offered very direct praise from the State House, naming the President simply “the peacemaker.” He wrote, “Peace in the Middle East. Thank you, @realDonaldTrump, the peacemaker.”
State Rep. Alma Hernandez (D-LD 10) provided a particularly raw and emotional take as well from the Democrat side of the aisle, posting about her openly sobbing over reunion videos only to wake in fresh grief for the families learning their loved ones wouldn’t return.
Though she didn’t directly credit the administration, she wrote, “While we are all overjoyed and celebrating the return of the 20 hostages, let’s not forget those families who anxiously waited for over two years to find out this morning that their loved one was not returning alive… I can’t imagine the feeling of great heartbreak & sorrow those families are feeling right now. They held on to every ounce of hope… my heart goes out to them, and I pray that they will overcome this tragedy.”
Notably, as of this report, no statements from Governor Katie Hobbs, Attorney General Kris Mayes, or Secretary of State Adrian Fontes praising the administration were publicly available, despite all three being vocal on the topic of the Hamas-Israel conflict.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
