The ceasefire agreement in Gaza announced on Wednesday represented a rare alignment of political motivations between outgoing US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump. This remarkable partnership led to a temporary pause in one of the most severe incidents of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the effectiveness of bipartisanship in dealing with global crises. While the Biden administration laid the initial foundation for the deal, it was Trump’s proactive involvement that accelerated its realisation, emphasising his influence even before officially taking office.
President Biden’s foreign policy team had been engaged for months in efforts to tackle the Gaza war, which began in October 2023 following Hamas’s surprise attack against Israel. The conflict, characterised by extensive civilian losses and catastrophic destruction, drew international criticism and presented diplomatic challenges for both the United States and Israel. For Biden, achieving a ceasefire was an opportunity to enhance his legacy with a notable foreign policy success.
Biden’s strategy regarding the conflict was deliberate and centred around diplomacy. His administration aimed to reconcile Israel’s security requirements with the humanitarian necessities of Palestinians in Gaza. American Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Middle East coordinator Brett H. McGurk played pivotal roles in formulating a proposal that included a hostage release agreement, exchanging hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. This proposal, bolstered by diplomatic cooperation from Egypt, Turkey and Qatar, laid the groundwork for the eventual ceasefire agreement.
Despite these initiatives, the intensifying violence and the intricacies of the hostage situation presented considerable challenges. Biden’s administration recognised that resolving the crisis before Trump took office would necessitate not only delicate diplomacy but also a readiness to work alongside the incoming administration.
Trump approached the situation with his typical boldness, diverging from the norms of a standard presidential transition. Aware of the urgency of the crisis and its potential impact on his early presidency, Trump adopted a proactive stance towards the conflict. His direct involvement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other key figures demonstrated his resolve to make a significant impact prior to assuming office.
Trump’s approach reflected his unconventional style of diplomacy. He designated Steven Witkoff, a billionaire real estate executive and close associate, as his special envoy to the Middle East. Witkoff’s lack of formal diplomatic background was compensated for by his strong ties to Trump and his assertive negotiating tactics, which were in line with the president-elect’s style.
The pivotal moment in Trump’s involvement occurred during a critical meeting between Witkoff and aides to Netanyahu. Acting on Trump’s directive, Witkoff advocated for an immediate ceasefire-for-hostages agreement, stressing the urgency of the situation. His insistence on convening talks even during Shabbat illustrated the high stakes involved and Trump’s eagerness for action. The message was unmistakable: there could be no delays, and failing to achieve the release of hostages would lead to serious repercussions.
The negotiations for the ceasefire highlighted an uncommon degree of cooperation between the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump team. Although their political philosophies frequently differed, the common aim of resolving the Gaza crisis fostered a temporary partnership. Biden and Trump held direct conversations, with Biden encouraging Trump to leverage his influence to facilitate the hostages’ release. Trump, keen to make an impact, accepted the challenge and collaborated closely with Biden’s team to synchronise their efforts.
The joint efforts of both leaders were evident in the busy diplomatic activities. Blinken and McGurk worked in coordination with Witkoff and Trump’s advisors, while mediators from Egypt, Turkey and Qatar aided in communication between the warring parties. This collective initiative underscored the necessity of unity in tackling intricate international challenges, even in the midst of a politically charged transition.
The ceasefire agreement, unveiled shortly after Trump’s impactful involvement, marked a noteworthy advancement. It was organised into three phases, closely resembling the framework suggested by Biden’s administration. The first phase included the release of 33 hostages, comprising Israeli soldiers and civilians, in return for Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody. Following this exchange, a six-week pause in hostilities was established to allow for additional negotiations aimed at achieving a more enduring resolution.
Both Biden and Trump, meanwhile, sought to take credit for the breakthrough. Trump’s social media posts celebrated his role as the driving force behind the deal, while Biden said it was one of the toughest negotiations he had ever experienced. He said his team was speaking as one with the Trump team. But the annoyance with Trump taking credit was also evident during the news conference. When asked who deserved credit for the deal, himself or Trump, Biden was visibly angry. Is that a joke, he asked, before walking away. The dynamic between the two leaders highlighted the political tensions inherent in a transition period, where outgoing and incoming administrations seldom cooperate on such a scale.
Despite the political jockeying, the Gaza ceasefire represents a rare instance of bipartisan collaboration during a presidential transition. For Trump, the agreement serves as a prelude to his second term, showcasing his ability to deliver results on the international stage. For Biden, it is a capstone to his presidency, ensuring peace and securing the release of hostages. Trump’s role in the Gaza peace accord highlights his unique approach to diplomacy, characterised by boldness and a focus on outcomes. While his tactics may differ from traditional norms, they proved effective in this context, demonstrating his influence in shaping global events.
