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By Erin Keller
Reporter (Live News)
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President Joe Biden wanted to know if a reporter was serious when asked at a press conference on Wednesday whether he or President-elect Donald Trump should get the credit for Israel and Hamas reaching a ceasefire and hostage deal.
"Is that a joke?" Biden said.
Why It Matters
The ceasefire deal will halt the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which broke out on October 7, 2023. About 1,200 people died in Hamas' initial attack on Israel, with over 200 more taken hostage. Over 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel declared war, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Read More on Politics
Before Biden released a statement Wednesday confirming the ceasefire deal, Trump, who becomes president again on January 20, celebrated the "epic" agreement on Truth Social, saying it "only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November."
Deal negotiations did heat up after the 2024 presidential election as Trump warned Hamas that there would be "hell to pay" if it didn't agree to release hostages before his inauguration. The Biden administration had called for a ceasefire during the 15-month war in Gaza and experienced strained relations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas resistance, and global criticism of U.S. foreign policy.
What To Know
Biden held a press conference Wednesday about the ceasefire deal, revealing that his administration has been in communication with the incoming Trump administration.
"This deal was developed and negotiated under my administration, but its terms will be implemented, for the most part, by the next administration. In these past few days, we've been speaking as one team," Biden said.
He continued, "This is the exact framework of the deal I proposed back in May, and we got the world to endorse it. Secondly, it's America's support for Israel that helped them badly weaken a monster as backers and create the conditions for this deal."
"And thirdly, I think this deal would have to be implemented by the next team, so I told my team to coordinate closely with the incoming team to make sure we're all speaking with the same voice because that's what American presidents do."
While turned to leave the podium, a reporter asked, "Who deserves the most credit for this, Mr. President: You or Trump?"
Turning back around with a smirk, Biden asked, "Is that a joke?"
"No," the reporter replied.
"Oh," Biden said, thanking those in attendance once more, then turned around to leave.
...
What People Are Saying
President-elect Donald Trump, on Truth Social: "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!"
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, to reporters: "The United Nations stands ready to support the implementation of this deal and scale up the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief to the countless Palestinians who continue to suffer.
"It is imperative that this ceasefire removes the significant security and political obstacles to delivering aid across Gaza so that we can support a major increase in urgent lifesaving humanitarian support."
Palestinian refugee Ahmad al-Mohsen, to Middle East Eye: "Whether my home is destroyed or not, what matters is that one comes back, far from the war. There is no place like home."
What Happens Next
Hamas will begin by releasing 33 hostages, including women, children and elderly individuals. In exchange, Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and withdraw its troops from Gaza's front lines.
The first phase of hostage releases is set to begin on the first day of the ceasefire, January 19. Three hostages will initially be freed as a goodwill gesture, with additional releases planned over the following weeks.
Subsequently, the remaining 30 hostages held in Gaza will be released in stages, prioritizing women, children, and the elderly, according to officials.
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