Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) acknowledged President Donald Trump’s pivotal role in brokering the recent peace deal between Israel and Hamas, calling it a significant step forward in stabilizing the region.
Appearing on CNN’s State of the Union Sunday, Kelly responded to anchor Dana Bash’s question about how much credit Trump deserves for the agreement. “I think he should get a lot of credit,” Kelly said. “This was his deal. He worked this out. He sent Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner over to negotiate this.”
Kelly emphasized the progress already made under the agreement, particularly the expected release of hostages. “Hopefully, the hostages get released here — might not be within 24 hours — but certainly, I think, by Monday. And that’s progress,” he said.
The senator also highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, pointing out the devastation the territory has suffered. “Ninety percent of the homes have been destroyed. It is such a tragic situation,” Kelly noted, praising the arrival of 600 aid trucks under the new deal. “That should have been happening over the last two years.”
Looking ahead, Kelly expressed hope that Gulf nations, especially Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, would follow through on their pledges to invest in rebuilding Gaza.
He also addressed the complexity of the 20-point peace plan, particularly the challenge of disarming Hamas. “It’s possible, but I am concerned,” he said. “They may change their minds. The Iranians, their benefactor, is not what it was even just months ago. I think they see the writing on the wall.”
Calling the current moment “the right time with the right deal,” Kelly stressed that while many steps remain, the Trump-brokered agreement offers a meaningful path toward lasting peace.
