Israel and Hamas Reach Ceasefire and Hostage Agreement, US President Biden Confirms

US President Joe Biden announced a ceasefire and hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas. This deal, reached with the help of Egypt and Qatar, aims to stop the conflict in Gaza. "Today Wednesday, after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal," Biden stated. The agreement is considered a significant foreign policy achievement for his administration.

Biden highlighted that the deal will not only end hostilities in Gaza but also provide essential humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians. It will also reunite hostages with their families after over 15 months of captivity. "This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity," Biden said.

Trump's Reaction to the Agreement

Donald Trump, who will succeed Biden as the 47th President on January 20, expressed his approval of the agreement. "This epic ceasefire agreement could have only happened due to our historic victory in November as it signalled to the entire world that my administration would seek peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones," Trump remarked.

Biden noted that he had outlined this plan on May 31, 2024, which was later unanimously approved by the UN Security Council. The deal is attributed to various factors including Hamas's pressure, regional changes post-Lebanon ceasefire, Iran's weakening, and persistent American diplomacy. "My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done," he added.

Efforts Towards Peace

Biden acknowledged the tragic loss of lives due to Hamas’s attack on October 7th and subsequent war casualties. He emphasised that it is time for peace-building efforts to commence. "Even as we welcome this news, we remember all the families whose loved ones were killed in Hamas’s October 7th attack, and the many innocent people killed in the war that followed. It is long past time for the fighting to end and the work of building peace and security to begin," Biden stated.

He also expressed concern for American families affected by hostages in Gaza. "I am also if thinking of the American families, three of whom have living hostages in Gaza and four awaiting the return of remains after what has been the most horrible ordeal imaginable. Under this deal, we are determined to bring all of them home," Biden mentioned.

Future Plans Under Trump's Leadership

As Trump prepares for his inauguration, he assured continued collaboration with Israel through Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. The aim is to prevent Gaza from becoming a terrorist hub again. "We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to expand the Historic Abraham Accords further. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World!" Trump declared.

Trump highlighted achievements made even before assuming office and expressed optimism about future successes once his administration is fully established. "We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my administration is fully confirmed so they can secure more victories for the United States!" he said.