Ceasefire brings hope for peace in Gaza
After 15 months of relentless conflict in Gaza, Hamas and Israel have reached a pivotal truce, signaling a ceasefire and an agreement to release hostages. Announced on Wednesday (January 15), the deal marks a crucial step forward, with the United States playing a key mediatory role alongside Qatar and Egypt. However, as the announcement unfolded, a political battle erupted in Washington, with outgoing President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump each vying to claim credit for the agreement.
Biden: “My plan”
President Joe Biden, delivering his farewell address on Wednesday evening, made it clear that his administration was instrumental in crafting the deal. “The plan was developed and negotiated by my team and will be largely implemented by the incoming administration,” Biden stated. His remarks came hours after he was questioned during a press conference about who deserved recognition for the breakthrough. When asked whether the credit belonged to him or Trump, Biden retorted, “Is that a joke?”
Despite his team’s involvement in the negotiations, Biden downplayed personal accolades, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the effort.
Trump: “Happened because of my election victory”
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump adopted a markedly different tone. Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump declared that the ceasefire was a direct result of his electoral triumph.
“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,” he wrote.
Trump’s comments, characteristic of his self-promotional style, contrasted sharply with Biden’s reserved acknowledgment of the diplomatic milestone.
Behind the scenes: A team effort
While the public sparring over credit continues, the reality behind the deal underscores its collaborative nature. For months, Biden’s administration engaged in the intricate negotiations that laid the groundwork for the agreement. According to reports, a Trump envoy played a pivotal role in the final stages of the discussions.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, was stationed in Doha during the critical final 94 hours of talks. His presence complemented the efforts of Brett McGurk, Biden’s senior envoy, who had been working on-site since January 5. The combined expertise of these seasoned diplomats ensured the deal’s success.
In a press briefing, a high-ranking Biden administration official acknowledged the bipartisan nature of the effort. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre summed it up succinctly: “Everyone is going to want some credit” for the agreement.
The road ahead
While the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope, experts caution that this is just the first step in a long road toward lasting peace. The release of hostages and the cessation of hostilities are critical achievements, but broader issues remain unresolved. The international community will need to sustain its commitment to diplomacy to ensure that this fragile truce evolves into a durable peace.
As Biden and Trump continue to spar over credit, the ultimate focus must remain on the people of Gaza and Israel, whose lives have been profoundly affected by the conflict. For now, the ceasefire is a shared victory, reflecting the power of collective diplomacy over individual acclaim.