President Joe Biden expressed frustration when asked whether he or President-elect Donald Trump deserved credit for brokering the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
After concluding a January 15 speech at the White House announcing the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, a reporter posed the question as Biden prepared to exit the briefing room with Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
"Who do you think deserves the credit for this agreement, you or Trump?" the reporter asked.
Biden paused, smiled faintly, and replied, "Are you kidding me?" When the reporter clarified that it was a serious question, Biden simply responded, "Oh," and walked away, offering a curt "thank you" without further comment.
Competing Claims
The ceasefire deal, negotiated with mediation from the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, will take effect on January 19—one day before President-elect Trump’s inauguration. Both Biden and Trump have claimed credit for the agreement.
Biden highlighted that the agreement adhered to the framework he proposed in May 2024. "This outcome reflects relentless U.S. diplomatic efforts," he said, emphasizing that it was a result of exerting pressure on Hamas, regional dynamics, and Iran’s diminished influence.
In contrast, Trump attributed the breakthrough to his electoral victory in November 2024. "This historic win sent a clear message globally that my administration will prioritize peace and ensure safety for all Americans and allies," Trump stated on Truth Social.
Trump also credited Steve Witkoff, his pick for Middle East envoy, for actively engaging in the talks and promised continued collaboration to prevent Gaza from harboring extremist groups.
A Shared Legacy?
Analysts note that both leaders appear eager to make the Gaza ceasefire a part of their political legacies. The Biden administration had spent months pushing for dialogue between Hamas and Israel through intermediaries and senior official visits to the region. Meanwhile, Trump’s strong rhetoric and the early involvement of his envoy helped accelerate negotiations.
Jonathan Panikoff, director of the Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council, argued that Biden's persistent diplomacy was pivotal, despite repeated setbacks in talks. However, he acknowledged that Trump’s tough messaging and Witkoff’s engagement in Doha starting January 5 contributed significantly to the ceasefire, ending 15 months of hostilities in Gaza.
"In an era of deep polarization in U.S. foreign policy, this agreement demonstrates the impact of bipartisan effort," Panikoff remarked. "Without contributions from both leaders, the deal's likelihood of success would have been far lower."
(Sources: AP, Reuters, Fox News)
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