Tlaib and AOC stay mum as Trump brokers peace, praise from other Democrats trickles in

WASHINGTON (TNND) — As Palestinians and Israelis celebrate a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, some of the most outspoken Democratic critics of Israel and President Trump’s handling of the Gaza War have remained silent.

Representatives Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) have yet to publicly acknowledge the ceasefire deal brokered by President Trump.

Both lawmakers have been highly critical of Israel throughout the Gaza conflict. In a House speech in March 2024, Ocasio-Cortez accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians, a claim echoed by Tlaib. Both have also criticized President Trump for providing military aid to Israel. In September, Ocasio-Cortez endorsed legislation to block U.S. weapons shipments to Israel, asserting that the United States had become complicit in civilian deaths and widespread destruction in Gaza. “The children of Gaza are starving because Donald Trump will not stand up to Benjamin Netanyahu,” she said at the time, while calling for a free Palestine, the release of hostages, and a diplomatic resolution.

WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 24: U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) arrives at a press conference on food aid to Gaza, outside the U.S. Capitol on July 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. Tlaib spoke on the recent United Nation’s report that noted over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed seeking aid since late May, hundreds of them at sites managed by the Israeli and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

With 48 hostages still held—20 confirmed alive—and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners expected to be released, Ocasio-Cortez has largely focused on the ongoing government shutdown rather than the ceasefire.

Tlaib, who called for a ceasefire just 10 days after the war began on October 7, 2023, previously criticized President Biden following reports of 500 Palestinian deaths from an Israeli hospital bombing. In February, she accused President Trump of promoting ethnic cleansing after his comments about U.S. involvement in Gaza.

“Palestinians aren’t going anywhere,” Tlaib wrote on X, criticizing bipartisan congressional support for U.S. aid to Israel and urging her colleagues to advocate for a two-state solution.

Other Democrats who have been critical of Israel and President Trump’s policies have acknowledged the ceasefire, though few have credited him directly. Representative Delia Ramirez (D-IL) called the agreement “hopeful” and urged that it bring hostages and prisoners home while ending the bombing and starvation of Palestinians. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) described it as “a hopeful step” while stressing the need for accountability for war crimes and an end to the occupation.