Outgoing President Joe Biden announced the ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday — two hours after President-elect Donald Trump broke the news on TRUTH Social.
“Today, after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal. My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done – I will speak more about this soon,” Biden shared on X, along with a statement.
Today, after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal.
My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done – I will speak more about this soon. pic.twitter.com/iETWhGXEGA
— President Biden (@POTUS) January 15, 2025
Biden’s post came nearly two hours after President-elect Donald Trump’s message about the deal on TRUTH.
“WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!” Trump shared at 12:01 PM.
In a follow-up TRUTH post, Trump added the following:
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. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.
With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven. We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World!
We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!
After his press conference on the ceasefire, Biden was asked who gets credit for the deal; “Is that a joke?” Biden responded.
Watch the clip below:
A reporter just asked who gets credit for the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas – Biden or Trump?
President Biden responds with a smile, “Is that a joke?” pic.twitter.com/RAjCyxLA3f
— Eva Pound (@EvaEPound) January 15, 2025
According to CNN, the release of the hostages is the first phase of the deal. Negotiations to reach the second phase – which is intended to end the war – would begin on the 16th day of the implementation of the deal.
This story is developing…