(The Center Square) – Amidst the release of hostages and a ceasefire deal that seems to be holding steady in Gaza, Americans are offering thoughts and notes of cautious optimism.
Among them is Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a potential 2028 contender for the Democratic presidential nomination and one of the most prominent Jewish voices in America.
“Today is a day of great relief as after 738 days, the last 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas have finally come home to their families,” Shapiro wrote on X. “I pray that all those families whose loved ones are deceased will soon receive them as well.”
Shapiro has walked a tightrope throughout the conflict, with past statements about the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict coming back to haunt him and his sharp attitude toward pro-Palestinian protests drawing ire from progressives. The issue was largely viewed as a factor in his being passed up for the vice presidential nomination during Kamala Harris’s unsuccessful 2024 campaign.
Since it resurfaced last year, the governor distanced himself from a 1993 college essay in which he called Palestinians “too battle-minded” to co-exist with Israel, which was formed out of former Palestinian land in 1948. Shapiro has said that his views have since evolved.
Nevertheless, Shapiro was the target of a firebombing on Passover in which the alleged attacker directly cited the governor’s stance on Palestine when confessing to the crime. In the wake of the attack, Shapiro’s message has largely been one of calling for “moral clarity” and cooler heads, frequently repeating that political violence is never the answer.
Evidence over the last two years seems to confirm that Shapiro’s position today has evolved from the one he took in college, even if it isn’t totally aligned with all of his constituents. The governor has voiced support for a two-state solution and offered sharp criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him “one of the worst leaders of all time.” He has also called for more humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“The end of this terrible war now offers hope and opportunity for Israelis, Palestinians, and the entire region,” wrote Shapiro. “Much work remains to ensure that Hamas is disarmed and removed from power so that Gaza can be rebuilt and a path toward a broader and deeper peace can be forged in the region.”
Like many others who have commented on the deal, Shapiro’s relief seemed mixed with a tone of worry. Shapiro has often found himself at odds with the Trump administration which facilitated the agreement between Hamas and Israel. He mixed credit for the president with words of caution.
“Today’s summit in Egypt is an important opportunity to advance this cause,” wrote Shapiro. “I appreciate the President and his team for their work to reach this moment, and hope they will remain just as focused on the important work ahead.
