A new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas appears to be stabilizing.
Despite earlier reports that the deal was in danger, Israel’s leadership has now backed the deal.
The ceasefire agreement comes after 15 months of deadly bombings as Israel systematically cleared out Hamas positions and killed its militants and leadership. The thorough bombing campaign demolished much of Hamas’ infrastructure but created serious humanitarian issues in the process, which have continued to increase pressure on Israel to end the war.
Israel, though, has said the bombings were justified and generally had the support of the U.S. since Hamas kicked off the conflict with a terrorist attack that killed over 1,000 in Israel on Oct. 7 2023.
The deal includes the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
“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,” Biden said in a statement. “This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much needed-humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity.”
President-elect Donald Trump quickly took credit for the ceasefire after it was announced. Initial reports suggested Trump envoy Steve Witkoff may have had a major impact on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“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,” Trump said in a statement. “I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.”
Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president of the United States is Monday.
As The Center Square previously reported, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance told the media that Hamas’ fear of Trump could help bring about the ceasefire.
“We have achieved so much without even being in the White House,” Trump said. “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!”
President Biden, however, also took credit, explicitly saying “my diplomacy” got this done.
Biden said he laid out the details of the plan last May and that they were backed by the U.N. Security Council.
“It is the result not only of the extreme pressure that Hamas has been under and the changed regional equation after a ceasefire in Lebanon and weakening of Iran – but also of dogged and painstaking American diplomacy,” Biden said. “My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done.”
