Credited from: APNEWS
In a surprising turn of events, both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have emerged claiming credit for the newly established ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, following extensive negotiations that have spanned several months. The breakthrough was officially declared in Doha, Qatar, with representatives from both U.S. administrations present, highlighting an unprecedented collaboration between political rivals. The ceasefire agreement not only halts ongoing hostilities but also secures the release of many hostages taken by Hamas.
Biden, expressing pride in his administration's diplomatic efforts, acknowledged the contributions made by his team while also noting the pivotal involvement of Trump's incoming administration. He remarked, "In these past few days, we have been speaking as one team," referencing the cooperation established to facilitate this deal. During his address, he emphasized the significance of the agreement both for humanitarian assistance and a potential pathway for Palestinian statehood, asserting that "the deal was reached under the precise contours of a plan" he laid out previously in South China Morning Post.
Trump, on the other hand, has been quite vocal on social media, proclaiming that the ceasefire would not have materialized without his recent electoral victory. "This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November," he stated, reinforcing his influence over Israel's approach to the situation in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also expressed his gratitude to Trump for his role in negotiating the deal, illustrating the political intricacies at play that have allowed both parties to claim success, as reported by AP News.
The complexity of the negotiations has not gone unnoticed, with multiple experts acknowledging that the groundwork for the deal began months ago, spurred by changing dynamics in the Middle East. According to sources, the negotiations intensified following a second ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, which shifted the regional balance. Both Biden administration officials and Trump’s team coordinated communications with Hamas representatives to press for the necessary concessions, demonstrating that diplomatic pressure and perseverance were key to achieving this ceasefire.
During the talks, which occurred against the backdrop of continued conflict and humanitarian crises, both sides faced significant challenges. As Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, emphasized, "No one has pride of authorship. We are totally outcome-oriented. Let’s get them home," reflecting the priorities that drove negotiators to prioritize results over political credit. It was clear that this agreement not only serves to stabilize the region but also allows both Biden and Trump to exit their respective terms with a notable diplomatic achievement.
As the operations are set to move forward, with **implementation of the agreement expected to begin soon**, the **bipartisan collaboration** witnessed throughout these negotiations could signify a new approach to tackling long-standing conflicts in the Middle East. The duo appears to have set aside their political animosities in a moment of unprecedented cooperation, of which many hope serves as a model for future international diplomacy. For a more in-depth analysis of this significant moment, visit CNN.