President Biden and President-elect Trump are every searching for to say credit score for the deal for a ceasefire in Gaza and launch of Israeli hostages.
With the proverbial ink not even dry on a deal between Israel and Hamas, Biden careworn that an settlement was reached by his administration underneath “the precise contours” of a plan he set out in late Might.
“It is the result not only of the extreme pressure that Hamas has been under … but also of dogged and painstaking American diplomacy,” Biden mentioned. “My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done.”
Family members and buddies of individuals killed and kidnapped by Hamas and brought into Gaza, react to the ceasefire announcement as they participate in an illustration in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Picture/Ohad Zwigenberg)
Later in remarks on the White Home, Biden mentioned whereas his administration negotiated the deal, Trump’s group will quickly be charged with ensuring it’s carried out.
“For the past few days, we have been speaking as one team,” Biden mentioned.
Trump. in the meantime, raced to take credit score himself, noting that the stalled talks between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators solely began to bear fruit after he demanded a deal earlier than he takes workplace on Monday.
FILE – A Palestinian appears at a broken residential constructing following an in a single day Israeli strike in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, on Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Picture/Abdel Kareem Hana, File)
He credited incoming Center East envoy Steve Witkoff with breaking the impasse as he joined the talks in current days alongside Biden diplomats .
“This EPIC ceasefire 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,” Trump wrote on social media. “I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.”
Biden scoffed at the concept Trump’s bombast ought to win him any share of plaudits for forging the deal.
“Is that a joke?” Biden responded when requested by a reporter whether or not he or Trump would get credit score for the deal, which might finish the 15-month battle in Gaza.
Palestinians rejoice the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Picture/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Biden administration officers say they wished to contain the incoming Trump group within the talks to make sure that an settlement — which would require a prolonged American dedication — would have continued U.S. assist after Biden leaves workplace.
The officers mentioned it was vital for all events to the deal to know the settlement had buy-in from the brand new president. That was vital not solely as a result of Biden will depart workplace in simply 5 days, but in addition as a result of the U.S. is a guarantor of the settlement that may play out in a number of phases.
