Trump and Biden Both Assert Their Roles in Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

Both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump are taking credit for the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The White House involved Trump's Middle East envoy in the negotiations, which had been ongoing for months. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that the final details of the deal were still being finalised.

"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."

US Diplomacy and Bipartisan Efforts

Biden highlighted that the agreement was reached under a plan he proposed in late May. He credited "dogged and painstaking American diplomacy" for the outcome, noting that his diplomatic efforts never ceased. Biden acknowledged that Trump's team would soon be responsible for implementing the deal, recognising Steve Witkoff's role in the negotiations.

Nancy Okail from the Center for International Policy noted that Trump's insistence on a ceasefire before taking office demonstrated how effective pressure could change Israeli government behaviour. Jonathan Panikoff of the Atlantic Council praised Biden for persisting with talks despite setbacks, while also acknowledging Trump's threats to Hamas and efforts through Witkoff as influential.

Ensuring Continued US Support

The Biden administration's acceptance of Trump's involvement was driven by more than just his influence with Netanyahu. Three current US officials stated that including Witkoff alongside Biden's Mideast pointman, Brett McGurk, aimed to ensure ongoing US support for the agreement after Biden's term ends. They emphasised the importance of having buy-in from both administrations.

The officials expressed concerns that excluding Trump officials might lead to abandoning the post-conflict plan for Gaza developed over the past year. They wanted assurance that the new administration would support a plan for Gaza's governance, reconstruction, and security, requiring significant US backing over several months.

Finalising the Ceasefire Agreement

Negotiations intensified over four days, with US, Qatari, Egyptian negotiators, and Israel's team working late into Thursday morning. A senior US official described McGurk and Witkoff's coordination as a "fruitful partnership." Despite last-minute demands from Hamas, firm stances led to their eventual agreement on the terms.

The implementation of the agreement could start on Sunday with the release of hostages, according to a senior US official involved in the talks. The official noted that ensuring support from both administrations was crucial for a phased agreement guaranteed by the US.

The bipartisan nature of this deal highlights how powerful US foreign policy can be when both outgoing and incoming administrations collaborate. The joint efforts of Biden and Trump were essential in reaching this ceasefire agreement, demonstrating effective diplomacy despite political differences.