Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle celebrated the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas as hostages returned home Monday after being held by Hamas for more than two years.
Twenty men were released from Hamas captivity and were accompanied by members of the Israel Defense Force (IDF) for an emotional reunification with friends and family. Israel also released about 1,900 Palestinian prisoners as part of the deal, who were greeted in the West Bank by large, celebrating crowds.
President Donald Trump traveled to Israel to deliver remarks on the historic deal before going to Egypt for a peace summit with other world leaders.
Amid joyous celebrations in Israel and Gaza, the ceasefire deal and release of the hostages were also cheered in the United States.
Utah lawmakers share messages of peace
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox celebrated the release of the hostages taken by Hamas more than two years ago.
“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 said.
He thanked Trump for his leadership to “make this day a reality.”
The six members of Utah’s all-Republican congressional delegation celebrated the deal and the return of the hostages.
Rep. Celeste Maloy said in a post online that the day is one that many prayed for. She said her thoughts remain with the families of the deceased hostages that did not return home.
“All 20 living hostages are home and we are on the path to peace. None of this would be without @POTUS,” she wrote.
Rep. Mike Kennedy celebrated the return of the living hostages after “738 agonizing days.”
“This incredible achievement is a testament to unwavering persistence and steady leadership,” Kennedy wrote, thanking Trump for delivering. “May this moment pave the way for a lasting peace across the region.”
Rep. Burgess Owens reposted a photo of Trump meeting with hostages’ families, that said “THEY’RE HOME,” while Rep. Blake Moore earlier praised the “masterful job” of Trump, and other members of his administration in negotiating the deal.
Sen. Mike Lee called the deal a “historic achievement, and an amazing new opportunity for peace,” while thanking the president.
Sen. John Curtis, who earlier praised Trump for negotiating the peace agreement, said he was “relieved to see hostages reunited with their families—737 days too many."
“As we await the return of those who were killed, and as the world watches to see if Hamas will honor the terms of the agreement, we continue to hope for lasting peace,” he said. “True stability will only come through stronger regional ties and a shared commitment to Israel’s right to exist. Blessed are the peacemakers.”
Democrats weigh in
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., in a post that didn’t mention Trump, said it was a good day because she had for “two excruciating years” called for the release of hostages.
“Surviving Israeli hostages are finally home and reuniting with loved ones. I’m thinking of them and their families on this joyful day and praying for their full recovery. I’m also grieving for all those who can’t come home today,” Warren wrote.
“Today must also be an important step toward lasting peace in the region – peace for both Israelis and Palestinians,” she continued. “We must end the war in Gaza, surge humanitarian aid, and negotiate a two-state solution now.”
Other Democrats shared messages celebrating the hostage release, with some recognizing Trump’s role and others not.
Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., said the release has lifted a weight off the world.
“Amazing day for the families, and for @POTUS and all the negotiators who made this day possible,” he said online. “Let’s honor their return by staying committed to lasting peace so another October 7 never happens again.”
Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., shared a video of hostage families watching their loved ones be released, saying it’s “an amazing sight to see.”
“So happy for the families who are reunited with their loved ones after two long years,” Kelly said. “We share their joy and the sadness of the families whose loved ones didn’t come back.”
House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said he is thankful that all 20 hostages were home with their families. He said he was thankful that humanitarian aid would be surging into Gaza for Palestinians in need.
“We must now recommit to achieving a just and lasting peace in the region. Nothing less than that is acceptable,” Jeffries wrote.
Administration praises president
Members of the Trump administration offered praise for the president and celebrated the successful release of all living hostages.
Vice President JD Vance said the day is a “truly historic achievement” in Trump’s vision for peace.
“It was incredible to see those hostages returned safely after two long years of unspeakable horrors,” Vance said. “May God continue to guide of president and may this finally be a lasting peace in the region.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that today is a “new day in the Middle East.” He thanked Trump for his “unwavering commitment” to peace and said the world is safer because of Trump’s leadership.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was “overjoyed” to see the Israeli families reuniting. “President Trump is the President of Peace,” she wrote online, thanking him, Rubio and others.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called it a “historic and poignant moment” for Israel and the Middle East.
“The American people should be incredibly proud of what @POTUS has achieved, which no one else could have delivered,” Bessent said. “Through President Trump’s steadfast leadership and commitment to peace, the United States has proven to be a force for good, and the world is now a safer place.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shared a message as the administration was leaving the region and heading back to Washington, D.C. She said she was “struck with sheer joy” watching the videos of hostages return to their families. Leavitt said she had several conversations with family members of hostages, and they were “some of the most impactful conversations of my life.”
“Their strength, faith, and determination to get their loved ones home was deeply moving, and I will never forget it,” she wrote. “As a mother, my heart is especially happy for the moms who are hugging their sons tonight after two years of pure agony.”