Clinton, Rice Express Optimism About Trump’s Middle East Peace Deal

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former U.S. Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and Condoleezza Rice spoke on CBS News 24/7 on Friday, praising the Trump administration’s recent peace deal aimed at resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict. Their discussion followed a landmark agreement in which Hamas will release hostages in exchange for Israel withdrawing troops from parts of the Gaza Strip.

The announcement comes as part of the first phase in Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which seeks to end a two-year conflict. The former secretaries expressed cautious optimism, yet acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead.

Clinton praised President Trump’s leadership and the efforts of regional Arab leaders who are committed to the deal. “I commend President Trump and his administration for making this a priority,” she said during the interview conducted by CBS News senior correspondent Norah O'Donnell.

Rice also expressed hope for the deal but noted that confidence is difficult given the complex history of the Middle East. “No one can be completely confident, given the history,” she said, adding, however, that there are reasons to be optimistic about coalition efforts.

Both Clinton and Rice highlighted the need for a representative Palestinian authority, which Rice stated is crucial for peace negotiations. “How do you get to a truly representative Palestinian authority?” she asked. “The Palestinian authority needs reform and must engage in self-recognition of Israel’s existence.”

Clinton also urged Israel to halt settlement expansion in the West Bank. “It has to cease,” she stated, emphasizing that cooperation is necessary to promote future stability.

The deal is expected to facilitate the return of hostages to their families in the coming days. However, questions remain about the timeline for Israel’s military withdrawal from Gaza and the formation of a governing authority.

Despite historical failures with past administrations, Clinton and Rice both believe this peace effort has potential, especially with pressure applied by Trump’s administration to leverage concessions from Israel. They are calling for international support to ensure the continued path to peace and stability in the region.