In a move that stunned Washington and political observers worldwide, President Joe Biden publicly praised former President Donald Trump for his role in brokering the recent Gaza peace deal — marking one of the rarest instances of bipartisan acknowledgment in modern U.S. politics.

Speaking from the White House on Wednesday, Biden commended Trump and his team for their part in finalizing the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which has been hailed as a turning point after two years of brutal conflict that left tens of thousands dead.

“I am deeply grateful and relieved that this day has come,” Biden said in a written statement posted on X. “For the last living 20 hostages who have suffered unimaginable trauma, and for the civilians in Gaza who have experienced immeasurable loss — this is a day of hope.”

He continued, “My administration worked relentlessly to bring hostages home, deliver humanitarian aid, and end the war. I commend President Trump and his team for their work to get this renewed ceasefire deal over the finish line.”

The praise — restrained but unmistakable — represents a major tonal shift between two leaders who have rarely exchanged anything but criticism. Biden’s decision to publicly acknowledge Trump’s diplomatic success comes as world leaders welcome the multi-phase peace plan that both Israel and Hamas signed earlier this week.

Under the agreement, all remaining hostages are to be released, Israeli forces are to withdraw from roughly half of Gaza, and an internationally monitored buffer zone will be established to prevent renewed fighting. The deal was reportedly shaped by negotiations involving Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, with the United States acting as a key mediator.

Trump, for his part, has claimed the deal as one of the crowning achievements of his second term. In a statement on Truth Social, he wrote: “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our Peace Plan. This is a GREAT day for the Arab and Muslim world, for Israel, and for the United States of America. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”

The former president’s characteristic self-promotion aside, even critics acknowledge that the deal reflects months of behind-the-scenes diplomacy involving both administrations. Sources close to the negotiations said that early diplomatic frameworks laid during Biden’s presidency were later expanded by Trump’s team during high-level talks in Cairo and Doha.

“This was a multi-administration effort,” said Dr. Leila Hassan, a Middle East scholar at Georgetown University. “But the reality is, Trump’s personal relationships with key regional players — particularly in Egypt and Qatar — helped seal the final terms. It’s rare, but credit is due.”

Biden’s acknowledgment sparked immediate reaction in Washington. Some Democrats privately expressed discomfort with the president’s decision to publicly praise Trump, while others argued it was an example of statesmanship in a deeply divided political era. “When something is good for humanity, politics should come second,” said Senator Chris Coons, a close Biden ally. “President Biden showed class today.”

Republican lawmakers, meanwhile, seized on the moment as validation of Trump’s foreign policy approach. “This proves what we’ve been saying all along,” Senator Lindsey Graham told reporters. “When Donald Trump leads, peace follows. Even Joe Biden can see that now.”

Political analysts were divided on the implications of Biden’s remarks. Some viewed them as a strategic move to project unity and leadership ahead of the 2026 midterms. Others saw it as a reflection of genuine relief that an end to violence had finally been achieved, no matter who received credit.

“Biden’s comments show a rare sense of humility,” said Karen Whitmore, a former U.S. ambassador. “In an era of nonstop division, he’s acknowledging that peace requires continuity — even between rivals.”

As for Trump, his reaction was predictably triumphant. Speaking to reporters outside Mar-a-Lago, he said: “I appreciate Joe saying that. It’s about time they admit we’re the best at making deals. We’ve done more for peace in the Middle East than anyone — maybe ever.”

While partisans continue to debate who deserves the lion’s share of credit, one fact remains: for the first time in years, the leaders of the United States appear united — however briefly — in celebrating a moment of peace in one of the world’s most volatile regions.

And in today’s fractured political climate, that rare harmony may be as historic as the deal itself.