Thu Jan 16 04:59:45 UTC 2025: ## Trump Steals Biden’s Thunder in Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal

**Washington D.C.** – President Joe Biden’s attempt to secure a major foreign policy victory with an Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal has been overshadowed by his political rival, Donald Trump. Trump, who takes office next week, announced the agreement on his social media platform hours before Biden’s official White House statement.

Trump claimed credit for the breakthrough, stating that his November election win signaled a commitment to peace and influenced the deal. While Biden confirmed diplomatic efforts by his administration, he acknowledged collaboration with Trump’s team to present a united front. Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, participated in ceasefire negotiations in Qatar.

Biden’s assertion that the deal was “developed and negotiated by my team” was met with skepticism. Some analysts and media outlets suggest Trump’s involvement was pivotal. The Times of Israel, citing unnamed Arab officials, reported that Witkoff’s participation swayed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu more than Biden’s year-long efforts.

Even Biden officials, in private briefings, acknowledged Witkoff’s “very important role,” highlighting the effectiveness of his partnership with Biden negotiator Brett McGurk.

Experts offer varied perspectives. Former US State Department official Mike Casey suggested Israel timed the deal to benefit Trump politically. Others, like Jean-Loup Samaan of the Middle East Institute, believe Trump’s team likely pressured Netanyahu to accept a deal, potentially benefiting Netanyahu domestically. Alam Saleh of the Australian National University suggests Witkoff’s role may have been significant but possibly overstated for political purposes.

The situation evokes parallels to President Jimmy Carter’s presidency, where the release of American hostages in Iran shortly after Ronald Reagan’s inauguration overshadowed his administration’s efforts. For Biden, the controversy risks diminishing his foreign policy achievements in his final days in office.

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