Wed Jan 15 21:33:00 UTC 2025: **Biden and Trump Vie for Credit as Israel and Hamas Agree to Gaza Ceasefire**
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2025 – A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been reached, ending months of conflict in Gaza. Both outgoing President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump are claiming credit for the deal, brokered with the involvement of Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Trump took to social media, asserting the ceasefire was a direct result of his November victory, highlighting his administration’s purported commitment to peace. He emphasized the return of American and Israeli hostages. Biden, however, stated the agreement aligns with a plan he outlined in May, emphasizing American diplomacy under his administration as a crucial factor, alongside regional shifts and pressure on Hamas.
Experts offer mixed perspectives. Nancy Okail of the Center for International Policy notes the deal’s acceptance despite Trump’s demands as a testament to effective pressure. Jonathan Panikoff of the Atlantic Council credits both administrations, highlighting the rare bipartisan effort in achieving the agreement.
Sources within the Biden administration confirm that Witkoff’s inclusion in the negotiations, alongside Biden’s envoy Brett McGurk, aimed to ensure continued support for the agreement post-Biden’s departure. The administration emphasizes the importance of Trump’s backing for the long-term plan for Gaza’s governance and reconstruction, a plan that includes an international presence and temporary foreign security forces.
The ceasefire comes after a devastating war that resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths. While Biden’s administration has faced criticism for its response to the humanitarian crisis and its recent $8 billion arms sale to Israel, the agreement marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict. The long-term implications of the deal, and the respective roles of both administrations, remain to be seen.
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