On Wednesday, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, with both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump taking credit for the breakthrough. The negotiations had been ongoing for months, with Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, joining the talks in their final stages.
Trump quickly claimed that the ceasefire was due to his influence, saying it was possible because of his election victory and his focus on peace and security. He also celebrated the return of American and Israeli hostages as part of the agreement. Trump stated that his team, led by Witkoff, would continue working to ensure Gaza doesn’t become a safe haven for terrorists.
Biden also emphasized his role in the deal, explaining that his administration’s diplomacy and strategies led to the agreement. He pointed out that the deal resulted from intense negotiations and changes in the region, such as weakened Iranian influence and progress in Lebanon.
The ceasefire is a significant win for both leaders, as they aim to highlight their contributions to Middle East peace efforts. While Biden’s administration spent months pushing for an agreement, Trump had warned Hamas there would be consequences if a deal wasn’t reached before his inauguration in five days.
Critics note that Biden’s decision not to restrict U.S. arms sales to Israel helped its military weaken Hamas and Hezbollah, but it also caused immense suffering in Gaza and Lebanon, where tens of thousands of civilians have died. Despite the challenges, experts agree that bipartisan cooperation was crucial in achieving the deal.
The Biden administration worked closely with Trump’s team to finalize the agreement, ensuring it would have continued support after Biden leaves office. This cooperation was essential to secure a plan for rebuilding Gaza and ensuring security, which will involve a long-term U.S. commitment.
The negotiations were intense, with American, Qatari, and Egyptian officials working around the clock to bridge differences. Although Hamas made last-minute demands, the team stood firm, and an agreement was reached.
The deal begins Sunday, with the release of the first hostages. While Biden and Trump have both claimed credit, experts acknowledge that both administrations played key roles in reaching the ceasefire.
