Newark, NJ – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill joined global leaders in celebrating the release of 20 hostages held by Hamas for two years but notably omitted any reference to President Donald Trump, whose administration negotiated their freedom and return to Israel.
In a statement issued Sunday, Sherrill called the reunion of the surviving captives with their families “an emotional day” and urged Hamas to release the bodies of those who were murdered so their families could receive closure.
“We continue to demand that Hamas releases the bodies of the hostages who were murdered so they can have a proper burial,” she said. “May their memories be a blessing. Let today be a turning point towards beginning the hard work of peace.”
Imagine shouting “Free Palestine” for two years, then having to thank Trump for ‘freeing Palestine’.
That’s the jam Sherrill finds herself in, not wanting to alienate her far-left base over the news.
Her remarks came just hours after Trump delivered a televised address to Israel’s Knesset, hailing the release as “a testament to America’s vital role in the world and the hard work of President Trump and his team.”
Her opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, recognized the efforts of President Trump, saying, “President Trump, having now completed his address to the Knesset, today’s historic accomplishment for peace is a testament to America’s vital role in the world and the hard work of President Trump & his team.”
Political reactions split along party lines
The White House, which livestreamed Trump’s remarks, described the event as a “historic accomplishment for peace.” Republicans quickly pointed out that Sherrill, a Democrat and frequent Trump critic, praised the outcome without acknowledging the administration responsible for securing it.
Supporters of the congresswoman countered that her statement focused appropriately on the humanitarian impact rather than political credit, emphasizing her call for peace and justice for the victims.
A delicate diplomatic moment
The hostages, all Israeli citizens, were freed after prolonged negotiations brokered through American and Qatari intermediaries. Their release marks the first major breakthrough in two years of tense Middle East diplomacy following the 2023 Hamas attacks.
U.S. officials confirmed that all 20 survivors were in stable condition and undergoing medical evaluations after arriving in Tel Aviv earlier Sunday.
Looking ahead to peace efforts
While Trump’s speech celebrated the deal as proof of renewed American leadership abroad, Sherrill’s response underscored ongoing calls for a broader peace process. “Let today be a turning point,” she wrote, echoing her long-held position supporting a two-state solution.
Whether her omission of Trump’s name was deliberate or diplomatic remains unspoken — but in a campaign season defined by foreign policy flashpoints, every word carries weight.
For now, the focus remains on the freed captives — and on what comes next in a region still searching for peace.
