The Joe Biden administration has expressed gratitude to President-elect Donald Trump and his team for their role in facilitating the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. The truce marks a significant pause in the devastating conflict in Gaza that began on October 7, 2023.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation in achieving the deal. “The involvement of President-elect Trump’s team has been absolutely critical in finalizing this agreement,” Miller said during a press conference. He highlighted the urgency as the current administration’s term is nearing its end and underscored the collaborative efforts between both teams.
The ceasefire, which aims to halt one of the deadliest conflicts in the Gaza Strip, includes a three-phase plan. It promises the release of dozens of hostages held in Gaza, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners in Israel, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid into the war-torn region. Over 46,000 people have lost their lives in the conflict.
The deal’s first phase includes a six-week pause in fighting, during which 33 hostages are expected to be reunited with their families. Subsequent phases focus on the release of additional hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and extensive reconstruction efforts in Gaza. However, specific timelines and terms remain under negotiation, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noting that the agreement’s final details are still being worked out.
President Biden commended the agreement, crediting “dogged and painstaking American diplomacy” and highlighting the unified efforts of his administration and Trump’s team. He noted that the ceasefire will remain effective as long as both sides continue negotiations toward a long-term truce.
Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked both Biden and Trump for their contributions but clarified that the agreement requires further approval from his Cabinet. As discussions continue, the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope for ending the protracted violence in the region.
