WASHINGTON — Both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump are taking credit for the recently established ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza that was announced on Wednesday. The White House orchestrated the involvement of Trump’s former Middle East envoy in negotiations that have lasted several months.
Trump was quick to declare himself as a pivotal figure behind the ceasefire. He emphasized that this agreement was a direct result of the “Historic Victory” from November, asserting that it showed the world that his administration would strive for peace and security. He expressed his happiness that American and Israeli hostages would soon reunite with their families. Trump also stated that his incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who participated in the discussions held in Doha, Qatar, would continue collaborating with Israel and allies to prevent Gaza from becoming a sanctuary for terrorists.
In contrast, Biden highlighted his administration’s persistent diplomatic efforts, affirming that the ceasefire was achieved due to intense pressure on Hamas and a shifting regional landscape that weakened Iran’s influence. He acknowledged the “dogged and painstaking American diplomacy” that played a crucial role in reaching the agreement.
Both leaders appear eager to use this deal as a significant achievement for their respective administrations. Biden’s team had been working for months to negotiate peace, while Trump previously warned of severe consequences if a deal was not established before his inauguration.
The Biden administration’s decision not to impose stringent restrictions on arms shipments to Israel likely aided in the military’s operations against Hamas and Hezbollah, yet it has come with devastating consequences for innocent civilians in both Palestine and Lebanon after 15 months of conflict.
Jonathan Panikoff, a director at the Atlantic Council, commended Biden for keeping the talks alive despite setbacks and gave Trump credit for his strong stance against Hamas and for utilizing Witkoff’s skill in influencing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. He indicated that this ceasefire demonstrates the effectiveness of bipartisan cooperation in U.S. foreign policy, suggesting that this deal may not have been possible without support from both administrations.
In his comments, Biden asserted that his administration played a key role in brokering the agreement, while Trump’s team would now focus on its implementation. “For the past few days, we have been speaking as one team,” he remarked, alluding to Witkoff’s involvement in the negotiations.
Trump’s team countered this by stating that the deal only came together after Trump and Witkoff intervened. The Biden administration reportedly provided the forthcoming Trump administration with a comprehensive plan aimed at fostering a sustainable peace, reflecting the significant regional support for such an initiative.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed gratitude towards both Presidents Biden and Trump for their roles in achieving the ceasefire. Nancy Okail, head of the Center for International Policy, remarked that Trump’s pressure for a ceasefire upon taking office showcased the effective impact of pressure on Israeli policy.
The Biden administration’s acceptance of Trump’s team in negotiations stemmed from necessity rather than solely political influence, according to current U.S. officials who wished to remain anonymous. Their goal was to include Witkoff to ensure ongoing American commitment to support the agreement, providing a guarantee that might endure beyond the Biden administration.
With Witkoff and McGurk, the Biden administration aimed to solidify U.S. backing for a comprehensive plan regarding Gaza’s governance and reconstruction. This plan anticipates a long-term U.S. involvement to achieve success and aims to avoid any abrupt changes in administration policy that might derail the progress made.
It is anticipated that the agreement’s implementation could commence on Sunday, with the first hostages potentially being released, as informed by a senior U.S. official engaged in the negotiations. According to sources, talks had intensified in the days leading up to the announcement, and coordination between McGurk and Witkoff proved productive as they worked closely to facilitate a resolution.
Despite the record-high Palestinian death toll amid the conflict — over 46,000 casualties — and humanitarian crises in Gaza due to Israeli actions, Biden’s diplomatic efforts have persisted. Critics of his presidency warn that his approach could significantly affect U.S. credibility in the Middle East, potentially marred by past decisions regarding arms support to Israel.
After delivering his remarks, when a reporter inquired about who would receive historical credit for the ceasefire, Biden responded with a smile, “Is that a joke?”
