Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire deal designed to end the war in Gaza.
The deal includes a six-week initial ceasefire phase, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, the release of hostages held by Hamas and the release of Palestinian detainees held by Israel.
Speaking from the White House not long after news of the agreement became public, Joe Biden said it was “a very good afternoon” because he could announce the deal had finally been reached.
The US President also made a point of noting in his Wednesday speech that the ceasefire agreement is one he “introduced” last spring, but said his team has been working closely with the incoming Trump administration in the final days of the deal negotiations.
For his part, the President-elect attempted to take sole credit for the agreement in a post to his Truth Social platform, writing that the “EPIC” agreement “could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies.”
He added: “With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven.”
Asked about Trump’s boasts and claims to be responsible for the deal, Biden grinned and pointed out that the agreement largely follows the framework he proposed last May.
With that in mind, who do you think was more instrumental in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire – Biden or Trump? Have your say by voting in the poll above.
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