“More than 400 days of struggle, a day of success,” declared President Joe Biden on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone with the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
This pivotal deal, brokered with support from the United States and Qatar, comes after 15 months of relentless conflict that claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives, displaced countless families, and intensified tensions across the Middle East.
Speaking from the White House, President Biden reflected on the arduous journey to this breakthrough, invoking the wisdom of his long-time Senate colleague, George Mitchell, famed for his role in the Northern Ireland peace process.
“He once said diplomacy is 700 days of failure and one day of success,” Biden recounted. “We’ve faced many dark days since this war began. We hit roadblocks, endured setbacks, but never lost hope. Today, after more than 400 days of relentless effort, success is here. May God bless the hostages and their families, and protect all who work for peace.”
The accord sets forth a phased six-week ceasefire, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.
Trump Claims Credit of Ceasefire Deal
While Biden’s administration hailed the development, President-elect Donald Trump wasted no time asserting his role in the agreement.
Trump, poised to begin his second term on Monday, called the ceasefire “epic” and attributed its fruition to his “historic victory” in the November elections.
“We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly. Thank you!” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. His announcement preempted any official statement from the current administration.
Trump credited the ceasefire deal to “The Trump Effect,” emphasizing his prior warnings to Hamas of “hell to pay” if captives were not released.
Trump’s team, including incoming National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, highlighted plans to collaborate closely with allies to prevent Gaza from becoming a terrorist haven. Trump also expressed ambitions to expand the Abraham Accords, aiming for normalized relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
‘Is That a Joke’
When asked at the conclusion of his press conference who deserved credit for the deal—himself or Mr. Trump—Biden responded, “Is that a joke?”
Representatives from both the incoming Trump administration and Biden’s outgoing team had participated in the final negotiations.
Biden remarked, “It’s the exact framework of the deal I proposed back in May—exactly that,” deflecting the question about the role of Trump’s envoys in securing the agreement.
The Trump administration will oversee much of the ceasefire’s implementation. And the global attention is turning toward the delicate process of maintaining this fragile peace. Both leaders, despite their differing claims, appear united in their pursuit of a more stable Middle East.
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