Sun Jan 19 16:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Trump Ally Instrumental in Gaza Ceasefire, Claiming Credit Amidst Biden’s Assertions

**Washington D.C. -** As both President Biden and President-elect Trump claim credit for the recent Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, a surprising figure has emerged as a key player: Steve Witkoff, a New York real estate developer and close friend of Trump. Witkoff, who has no foreign policy experience, served as an informal Middle East envoy for the incoming Trump administration, reportedly playing a crucial role in securing the deal.

According to reports, Witkoff delivered a message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveying Trump’s desire for a ceasefire before his inauguration. Witkoff’s direct approach, even contacting Netanyahu during Shabbat, is credited with pushing the deal forward. He subsequently lauded Trump’s delegation style, emphasizing the authority granted to him.

While the Biden administration has attempted to present the ceasefire as a bipartisan achievement, Trump’s team has highlighted Witkoff’s intervention as essential. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller acknowledged Trump’s team’s critical role, but some analysts remain skeptical, suggesting the ceasefire was inevitable and timed strategically for political gain.

Witkoff’s appointment reflects Trump’s penchant for unconventional choices. Despite lacking relevant expertise, his close relationship with Trump, forged over four decades, and his business dealings in the Middle East, are seen as contributing factors to his influence. However, his political leanings remain unclear.

The ceasefire agreement has raised questions about potential concessions from the incoming Trump administration to Israel. Analysts are scrutinizing the deal, questioning what rewards may have been offered in exchange for the timing of the agreement. Regardless of the underlying motivations, Witkoff’s unexpected role underscores the complexities of the situation and the shifting dynamics of US foreign policy under the new administration.

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