Biden and Trump Jockey for Credit Over Gaza Ceasefire Deal \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump are both claiming credit for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, finalized after intense negotiations involving both administrations. Biden emphasized his administration’s year-long diplomacy, while Trump highlighted the role of his incoming envoy, Steve Witkoff, in securing the deal. The agreement ends months of conflict but leaves significant challenges in rebuilding Gaza.
Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations: Quick Looks
- Ceasefire Achieved: Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire after months of U.S.-led negotiations.
- Dual Credit: Biden cites his administration’s diplomacy; Trump stresses his team’s intervention.
- Hostages to Be Released: The agreement includes the release of American and Israeli hostages.
- Humanitarian Toll: The 15-month conflict has caused significant civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis.
- Post-Conflict Plan: Biden’s administration devised a Gaza reconstruction plan requiring U.S. and international support.
- Bipartisan Push: Both administrations worked collaboratively, highlighting U.S. influence when foreign policy is bipartisan.
Deep Look
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, announced on Wednesday, marks a critical milestone in efforts to end a devastating 15-month conflict. While the deal represents a significant achievement, its finalization has become a point of contention between outgoing President Joe Biden and incoming President Donald Trump, both of whom are vying for recognition in brokering the peace.
Diplomacy Under Biden’s Leadership
President Biden emphasized that the deal was achieved through persistent diplomatic efforts initiated by his administration. Biden cited the “precise contours” of a plan introduced in May as the blueprint for the agreement, which required intense engagement with regional allies and parties to the conflict. Over the past year, Biden’s team worked to secure a ceasefire amidst repeated breakdowns in negotiations.
In his remarks from the White House, Biden attributed the agreement to “dogged and painstaking American diplomacy,” combined with changes in the regional dynamic, including the weakening of Iran-backed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. He acknowledged that his administration faced significant challenges, including strained relations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s aggressive military campaign and its humanitarian impact on Gaza.
Trump’s Influence and Pressure
President-elect Trump has also claimed a pivotal role in the ceasefire. He highlighted the contributions of his incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who participated in the final rounds of negotiations in Doha, Qatar. Trump stated that the deal was catalyzed by his administration’s hardline stance, which included warnings to Hamas of “hell to pay” if a deal wasn’t reached before his inauguration.
Trump celebrated the agreement as a validation of his approach to Middle East peace, framing it as a product of the political message sent by his November election victory. In a social media post, he credited his leadership and the “historic victory” with signaling to the world his administration’s commitment to ensuring peace and security for allies like Israel.
Bipartisan Cooperation
One of the most remarkable aspects of the agreement is the bipartisan effort behind it. Biden’s administration invited Witkoff to join U.S. special envoy Brett McGurk in the final negotiations, a move aimed at ensuring the incoming administration would support the deal. Officials from both administrations acknowledged that the success of the ceasefire depended on unified U.S. foreign policy, especially given the long-term commitments required to stabilize Gaza.
Jonathan Panikoff of the Atlantic Council observed that the ceasefire underscores the power of bipartisan collaboration, with both administrations playing indispensable roles. “The deal would’ve been far less likely to happen without both pushing for it,” he said.
Challenges Ahead
While the ceasefire represents a step toward peace, the aftermath poses significant challenges. Gaza faces a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 46,000 Palestinian civilians killed and widespread destruction of infrastructure. Biden’s critics argue that his refusal to limit arms sales to Israel contributed to the civilian toll, raising concerns about America’s standing in the Middle East.
Biden’s administration has outlined a post-conflict plan that includes international support for governance, reconstruction, and security in Gaza. However, the plan’s success hinges on continued U.S. involvement and the willingness of regional actors to cooperate.
Negotiation Dynamics
The final stages of the agreement involved intensive discussions among U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian negotiators. Talks extended into the early hours of Wednesday morning, with Hamas presenting last-minute demands before ultimately agreeing to the terms. The agreement also includes provisions for the release of hostages, with implementation expected to begin Sunday.
U.S. officials have stressed that incorporating Trump’s team into the negotiations was necessary to ensure the agreement’s durability. This collaboration underscores the importance of continuity in U.S. foreign policy, particularly in complex and protracted conflicts like the one in Gaza.
A Legacy-Shaping Moment
Both Biden and Trump are positioning the ceasefire as a key achievement of their respective leadership. While Biden emphasizes the role of diplomacy, Trump credits his administration’s firm approach and willingness to exert pressure. This rivalry reflects the broader challenges of transitioning power amidst an ongoing international crisis.
The ceasefire offers a chance for both leaders to leave a lasting mark on Middle East policy. For Biden, it highlights the potential of diplomacy, even under the most trying circumstances. For Trump, it signals a commitment to securing U.S. interests and allies through decisive action.
Conclusion
As the world watches the implementation of the ceasefire, the focus now shifts to rebuilding Gaza and fostering lasting peace. The deal demonstrates the influence of American diplomacy when unified and highlights the complexities of balancing humanitarian concerns with strategic alliances. Whether the agreement can hold and pave the way for long-term stability remains to be seen, but it is undeniably a moment of significant geopolitical importance.
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