Biden hails ceasefire deal as both he and Trump claim credit

U.S. President Joe Biden praised the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas, calling it the result of “months of intense diplomacy.” He outlined the next steps of the agreement to end the 15-month war. During a White House briefing on Wednesday, Biden said he was “deeply gratified that this day has come,” calling the negotiations among the toughest of his career.

Biden said the agreement is divided into three phases, with the first phase including a “full and complete ceasefire” to begin on January 19, the day before he leaves office. He stated that the second phase of the agreement, still under negotiation, would “permanently end the war,” adding that he believes the agreement will be adhered to. Biden told reporters that the first phase would include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, the release of hostages held by Hamas, including women, the elderly and the wounded, as well as the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

“Hostages will soon be back with their families,” he said, adding that during the first phase, “Palestinians can also return to communities in all areas of Gaza.” Biden said, “There are still details to be negotiated in the transition from phase one to phase two, but the plan stipulates that if the negotiations take more than six weeks, the ceasefire will continue as long as the negotiations continue.”

The president said that the second phase will include the release of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, as well as the withdrawal of all remaining Israeli forces from Gaza. He said that at that point, the temporary ceasefire would become permanent. The third phase will include returning the remains of deceased hostages to their families and establishing a “major reconstruction plan” for Gaza.

While Biden said his administration was “united” with Donald Trump’s incoming administration, the president emphasized the role he and his administration played in reaching the agreement. He said the framework of the agreement followed the “precise contours” of the plan he first proposed in May 2024. At the end of the press conference, the president was asked who should take credit for the agreement—him or Trump. Biden turned and said “Are you kidding?” before walking away.

Meanwhile, Trump said on Truth Social that the “historic” agreement was made possible because he won the November presidential election. “This shows the world that my administration will seek peace and negotiate agreements to ensure the safety and security of all Americans and our allies,” he wrote. Despite the inconsistent messaging from both sides, the two administrations have coordinated closely as the ceasefire agreement has come into focus in recent days.

For example, as negotiations neared their conclusion, Biden’s envoy, Brett McGurk, and Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, were both in Doha. The agreement, now officially in place, gives Biden the opportunity to end his presidency on a high note, achieving a deal he has long sought and adding a final touch to his foreign policy legacy. But with his departure imminent, he is not in a position to feel the benefits of the agreement domestically.

A ceasefire agreement would have been a boon for him if it had been reached while he was still a Democratic candidate, as he has faced harsh criticism from within his own party for his seemingly unwavering support for Israel. Meanwhile, Trump will be sworn in on Monday without immediately facing the challenges of an ongoing war in the Middle East. The incoming president may also have the opportunity to participate in uplifting celebrations as American hostages return home to their families in the coming weeks. These moments of relief could help the new president begin his second term on an optimistic note.

Trump may more fully enjoy the political boost of peace in the Middle East. But he will also inherit the obligations and risks of implementing a complex multi-party agreement.