At 4:59 a.m. on Monday on the East Coast, Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.) posted about the hostages returning to Israel from Gaza and reached across the aisle to credit U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration.
“The release of Israeli hostages is an essential step for healing,” the congressman stated. “President Trump and the negotiators are to be commended as this historic agreement unfolds, offering hope for a brighter future for democracy and regional stability in the Middle East.”
The congressman told JNS that “news of the hostages being released, Air Force One landing in Israel and families rejoicing in relief was uplifting and wonderful to watch.”
“What the world is witnessing before our eyes is not only historic but also a vital first step forward,” Davis told JNS. “The agreement marks the beginning of a journey toward lasting peace, stability and security. We are witnessing a powerful demonstration of diplomacy that transcends partisan politics.”
At 5 a.m. Washington time, video footage and images had been coming out for a few hours, and many Jews and supporters of Israel worldwide had been posting on social media how impossible it was to sleep and about how glued they were to screens watching the news unfold.
The congressman was a rare federal U.S. lawmaker to comment nearly in real time, but when it got closer to regular business hours, many of his colleagues had issued comments—some crediting Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“I join all Arkansans in rejoicing at the release of 20 living hostages from Gaza. I commend President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu for this monumental achievement,” stated Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.). “We will not forget the deceased hostages, and we will endeavor to secure the release of their remains so their families may lay them to rest properly.”
“We will never again allow Hamas to threaten the United States and our friends,” Cotton added.
Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.), speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, stated that, “for the first time in 738 days, there are no living Israeli hostages in the hands of Hamas.”
“President Trump and his administration have ensured the safe release and return of all 20 living Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity, putting lasting peace in the Middle East within reach,” he wrote.
“This is a day of profound hope and joy for the entire free world,” Johnson stated, noting that Trump “has accomplished what others have only talked about—or tried and failed.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) used a biblical Hebrew expression that refers to praising God and stated, “to President Trump and his team, thank you so much. Well done.”
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Mike Lawler, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, stated that “this is a day of celebration for families across Israel, the United States and around the world.”
“The release of every living hostage is a testament to the power of strength, unity and diplomacy rooted in moral clarity,” Lawler said.
The New York Republican also praised Trump, Netanyahu, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former senior adviser.
“Peace through strength works, and by working alongside our greatest ally, Israel, and our Arab partners, we have achieved what many thought impossible,” Lawler said. “As we celebrate today, we continue to demand the return of the remains of the 28 hostages murdered by Hamas.”
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) stated that “today is the result of great American leadership, led by President Trump and his team, and also the tireless efforts of the Biden administration.”
Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) praised Trump for “unwavering leadership and tireless efforts to bring the hostages home” and “strength made this historic moment possible.” Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) said that “no other president could have done this.”
“While there is much to celebrate, 28 families still wait for the return of their loved ones’ remains,” stated Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.). “President Trump overcame failures of the Biden administration by restoring America’s commitment to Israel’s security and applying relentless pressure on Hamas terrorists. Blessed are the peacemakers.”
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) added that Trump “is a real dealmaker and leader with the strength, power and chutzpah to deliver lasting peace.”
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was one of the Democrats who posted about the freed hostages on Monday morning. “May the hostages have a full recovery and may we never forget those who didn’t make it out alive,” he said. “Credit to President Trump for a breakthrough ceasefire of this awful war.”
“The return of the hostages and the end of fighting in Gaza are the first steps towards building a lasting peace for the region, which has been torn apart by violence and suffering for far too long,” stated Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat. “I thank President Trump, Qatar, Egypt and negotiators from the Israeli and Palestinian communities for making the safe return of the hostages, and the ceasefire, possible.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, didn’t mention the U.S. president or Israeli prime minister in a statement on social media. “For more than two years, we’ve prayed for the return of the hostages kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7. Today, those prayers have been answered and families are reunited,” she stated. “I join the world in hoping that today marks the beginning of a lasting peace in the region.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, stated that “today is a day of great relief, as after 738 days, the last 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas have finally come home to their families.”
“I pray that all those families whose loved ones are deceased will soon receive them as well. The end of this terrible war now offers hope and opportunity for Israelis, Palestinians, and the entire region,” the Jewish governor said. “I appreciate the president and his team for their work to reach this moment and hope they will remain just as focused on the important work ahead.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, stated that “this day brings deep relief, but our thoughts remain with the families still grieving those who did not return.”
“We mourn with you and stand with you in hope and resolve,” Cox wrote. “Thank you, President Trump, for your leadership to make this day a reality.”
