Democratic Sen. John Fetterman urged Hamas to accept a Hamas peace deal that former President Donald Trump is helping broker, while criticizing pro-Palestinian protesters for not pressuring the group.
Fetterman on Pro-Palestinian Protesters
Fetterman voiced his criticism of demonstrators on social media. “Good morning to everyone except all the protesters who aren’t protesting for Hamas to accept the peace deal,” he stated.
He suggested protesters’ priorities were misplaced, writing, “For those protesters: Hamas > Peace.” Fetterman also noted there was “No flotilla, blocking a highway or disrupting public events demanding Hamas to take the peace deal.“
Trump’s Role in Hamas Peace Deal
The senator’s comments followed a post by Donald Trump on Truth Social regarding the ongoing Israel hostage release negotiations. Trump stated there have been “very positive discussions with Hamas” and other countries to release hostages and end the war.
Trump also claimed Hamas showed a willingness to negotiate a deal for the release of all hostages. He warned that “MASSIVE BLOODSHED WILL FOLLOW” if an agreement is not reached quickly, adding “TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE.“
Urging an End to the Gaza Conflict
As an unapologetic supporter of Israel, Fetterman has called for an end to the war, which began after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The conflict started in response to acts of mass murder, rape, and kidnapping.
“Hamas must choose peace or its own destruction. Send the hostages home, now,” Fetterman said.
He believes the “Gaza War must end to have peace and security for Israel and Palestinians.“
Fetterman Criticizes Democrats on Israel
Fetterman has previously accused his own party of an “ongoing and escalating betrayal of Israel.” He rejected charges from fellow Senate Democrats that Israel is engaged in the “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians.
“I reject this in the strongest terms,” Fetterman wrote in a post last month. “My party’s ongoing and escalating betrayal of Israel is gross and outrageous.“
