By President Joe Biden sidestepped a direct response on Wednesday when asked whether he or President-elect Donald Trump should receive credit for the recently announced Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. The question arose during a White House press briefing, just days before Trump’s second term was set to begin on January 20.
The agreement, regarded as a pivotal diplomatic achievement, stemmed from discussions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. Reports suggest that this meeting played a critical role in securing the deal, explained Fox News.
When Fox News correspondent Jacqui Heinrich inquired about how history might allocate credit for the agreement, Biden quipped, “Is that a joke?” before leaving without further elaboration, even as Heinrich clarified her question.
Reporter asks about who get credit for this, “you or Trump?”
President Biden: “Is that a joke?” pic.twitter.com/7u6AMuNhMG
— CSPAN (@cspan) January 15, 2025
Earlier in the briefing, Biden described the ceasefire’s two-phase structure. The initial six-week phase involves a total cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas in Gaza, and the release of hostages held by Hamas, including American nationals. Concurrently, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be released, displaced Palestinians will return to their neighborhoods, and humanitarian aid to Gaza will be significantly increased. The second phase aims to establish long-term arrangements to ensure sustained peace, with the ceasefire holding as long as negotiations continue, even if they exceed the six-week timeframe.
Acknowledging the Trump administration’s involvement, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted the unusual cooperation between the outgoing and incoming teams, crediting both for the agreement. Trump had previously issued warnings about the situation, demanding the release of hostages before his inauguration and threatening severe consequences if these conditions were unmet. Miller described the Trump administration’s engagement as essential to achieving the deal, praising their presence at the negotiating table.
🚨 JUST IN: Biden’s own State Department credits TRUMP for getting this peace deal done
“When it comes to the involvement of President-elect Trump’s team, it’s been absolutely CRITICAL in getting this deal over the line.”
Everyone knows it was Trump 🔥 pic.twitter.com/PQwtnfiuDJ
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 15, 2025
Following the announcement of the deal, Trump took credit, wrote The Associated Press.
Trump wasted no time in asserting he was the moving force behind the deal. Biden, meanwhile, stressed that the deal was reached under “the precise contours” of a plan that he set out in late May.
“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.”
Trump added that his incoming Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff — who was participating in the talks in Doha, Qatar — would continue “to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven.”
Regarding who deserved credit, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also sided with Trump, thanking the incoming president for getting a deal done.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke this evening with US President-elect Donald Trump and thanked him for his assistance in advancing the release of the hostages and for helping Israel bring an end to the suffering of dozens of hostages and their families. pic.twitter.com/nSkK6Emfk8
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 15, 2025
Reactions to the ceasefire have been mixed. In Tel Aviv, public demonstrations reflected a blend of relief and lingering grief among families affected by the conflict. While the deal has fostered cautious hope for enduring peace, substantial details remain unresolved.
As implementation efforts begin, attention turns to ensuring the hostages’ safe return and maintaining the ceasefire, which has already begun being challenged by Hamas.
Social media reports have already shown some Palestinians promising to launch more terrorist attacks, saying, “Every year, there will be another October 7th. Our children will harm you. We won’t tell you the exact date, but I swear to you, it will happen.”
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