Trump and Biden Both Assert Their Roles in Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Amid Ongoing Tensions

Both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump are taking credit for the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. This deal was reached after prolonged negotiations, with Trump's Middle East envoy playing a role. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office noted that the final details were still being finalised.

Biden emphasised that the agreement followed a plan he proposed in late May. He stated, "It is the result not only of the extreme pressure that Hamas has been under and the changed regional equation after a ceasefire in Lebanon and weakening of Iran — but also of dogged and painstaking American diplomacy."

Middle East Peace Efforts

Trump claimed his administration's victory in November signalled a commitment to peace. He wrote on social media, "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 expressed joy over American and Israeli hostages returning home.

Steve Witkoff, Trump's incoming Mideast envoy, was involved in talks held in Doha, Qatar. Trump mentioned Witkoff would continue collaborating with Israel to prevent Gaza from becoming a terrorist haven again.

Diplomatic Challenges

Biden's administration faced challenges in brokering peace, with talks often nearing success before collapsing. Despite this, Biden's refusal to limit arms sales to Israel helped weaken Hamas and Hezbollah but resulted in significant suffering for Palestinians and Lebanese civilians caught in the conflict.

The Biden administration worked tirelessly to achieve peace, while Trump warned of consequences if no deal was reached by his inauguration. Jonathan Panikoff from the Atlantic Council praised Biden for persisting despite setbacks but acknowledged Trump's threats and efforts through Witkoff as influential.

Bipartisan Cooperation

Panikoff highlighted how bipartisan cooperation enhanced U.S. foreign policy's influence. He stated, "Both the outgoing and incoming administration deserve credit for this deal and it would’ve been far less likely to happen without both pushing for it."

Biden remarked that his administration negotiated the deal, but Trump's team would soon ensure its implementation. He acknowledged Witkoff's involvement by saying, "For the past few days, we have been speaking as one team."

Regional Support

Trump's team argued that Biden couldn't finalise the deal without their intervention. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller noted that Trump's team's involvement was crucial for securing regional support for lasting peace.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed gratitude to both U.S. presidents for their roles in achieving the ceasefire. Nancy Okail from the Center for International Policy commented on how Trump's insistence on a ceasefire demonstrated effective pressure on Israeli government actions.

The ceasefire agreement marks a significant moment in Middle East diplomacy. Both administrations' efforts highlight how collaboration can lead to impactful foreign policy outcomes.