Official announcements from the US government or international bodies

Biden and Trump Claim Credit for Gaza Ceasefire After 15 Months of War, 46,000 Deaths

Jan 15, 2025, 11:30 PM

President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump are both claiming credit for a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The agreement, which follows 15 months of conflict that resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, was reached after months of negotiations involving both administrations. Biden emphasized that the deal aligns with a framework he proposed in May, while Trump attributed the agreement to his election victory, suggesting it signaled his administration's commitment to peace. The deal includes a three-phase approach, starting with a six-week ceasefire and the release of hostages, followed by negotiations for a permanent end to the war and a major reconstruction plan for Gaza. The involvement of Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, alongside Biden's envoy, Brett McGurk, was crucial in finalizing the agreement, which is set to begin implementation on Sunday.