US President Biden Celebrates Hostage Release and Ceasefire Agreement with Hamas

In a significant White House address on Wednesday, US President Joe Biden celebrated the release of hostages and the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. He emphasized that the deal marks the end of the war in Gaza, now moving into its second phase.

“It’s a very good afternoon,” Biden declared, highlighting that his administration had been working towards this agreement for seven months.

The Negotiation Process: A Seven-Month Journey

Biden unveiled the terms of the three-phase proposal on May 31, a move that was initially viewed as a strategic political maneuver. On May 27, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had already privately approved the terms.

Biden’s public unveiling of Netanyahu’s secret agreement aimed to gain leverage by implicating the Israeli leader in the peace process.

Hamas’s Resistance and Netanyahu’s Shift

Despite initial hopes, the coming months were marked by Hamas’s continued intransigence and Netanyahu’s reluctance to adhere to the timeline, adding new conditions that compromised negotiations in July.

According to a State Department spokesperson, it was then that the Biden administration adjusted its strategy, focusing on weakening Hezbollah and Iran’s influence to isolate Hamas.

Throughout the summer, Hamas felt bolstered by support from Iran and Hezbollah, fueling its resistance to a ceasefire.

The Role of Qatari and Egyptian Mediators

Behind the scenes, Qatari and Egyptian mediators alongside Israel’s hostage negotiation team faced challenges, attributing the lack of progress to both parties. However, the Biden administration publicly held Hamas accountable, especially after August.

US officials emphasized that the efforts to “defang” Hezbollah, along with international pressure, placed Hamas in a weaker position.

The Trump Factor: A Decisive Influence

Despite his outgoing status, the Biden administration acknowledged the pivotal role of incoming US President-elect Donald Trump’s team, particularly Steve Witkoff, the new Mideast envoy. Witkoff’s strategic interventions in Jerusalem are believed to have accelerated the peace process.

Trump’s previous threats to escalate pressure if hostages were not freed by January 20 implicitly coerced both Israel and Hamas into reaching an agreement.

US-Backed Pressure: Key to Negotiations

Biden’s speech underscored the effectiveness of US-backed pressure, dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities and weakening Iran’s influence. This dual approach idealized in his assertion became instrumental in securing the deal.

“We’ve reached this point because of the pressure that Israel built on Hamas, backed by the United States,” President Biden asserted.

Palestinians watch reports on a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in the central Gaza Strip, on January 15, 2025 (Ali Hassan/Flash90)

Biden Praises Israel’s Response

President Biden praised Israel for its calibrated military actions, which included killing Hamas leaders and fighters. He also noted the US’s twice-aided thwarting of Iran’s missile attacks during this period.

“We’ve shaped Israel’s strong and calibrated response, [which] destroyed Iran’s air defenses but avoided… an all-out war,” Biden declared.

The Phased Ceasefire Agreement

The agreement is structured into three phases. The initial phase will see the release of 33 hostages and Israel’s partial withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. The second phase will conclude with the permanent end of the conflict and Israel’s full withdrawal.

The third phase involves Hamas releasing the remains of any deceased hostages.

Continued Diplomatic Effort

During the first phase, Israel and Hamas will continue negotiations to reach the terms for the final phase. The US, along with Qatar and Egypt, has assured ongoing commitment to discussing the deal.

President Joe Biden turns back to the cameras to answer a question from a reporter about who deserves credit for the ceasefire, in the Cross Hall of the White House after speaking about the announcement of a ceasefire deal in Gaza, Jan. 15, 2024, in Washington. With Biden are Vice President Kamala Harris, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Biden’s Vision for Future Peace

Biden emphasized the deal’s significance not just for ending the immediate conflict, but also for potential future peace initiatives. He echoed the sentiment that diplomacy requires persistence, referencing George Mitchell’s quote about the历程 of negotiations.

Historical Alliances and Future Meetings

Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his gratitude to President Trump and President-elect Biden for their roles. Trump’s administration is expected to take the reins in implementing the agreement’s second phase.

“In these past few days, we’ve been speaking as one team,” Biden continued, highlighting the cooperative efforts between the outgoing and incoming administrations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks on the phone with US President-elect Donald Trump on January 15, 2025. (Amos Ben Gershom/GPO)

Trump’s Involvement in the Deal

Trump’s team, particularly Steve Witkoff, was credited with crucial roles in facilitating the agreement. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller noted the unprecedented collaboration between Brett McGurk and Witkoff.

“The cooperation between outgoing White House Mideast czar Brett McGurk and incoming Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff has been absolutely critical,” Miller added.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller answers questions during a news briefing at the State Department on July 18, 2023, in Washington. (AP/Nathan Howard)

The Impact on Future Relations

The successful negotiation is anticipated to strengthen US-Israel relations under the incoming administration. It also sets the stage for potential further diplomatic engagement with Palestinian groups.

Biden’s willingness to work with Trump’s team showcases the possible power of bipartisanship in achieving international consensus and peace.

A Significant Milestone in Mideast Peace

This ceasefire agreement and hostage release represent a major step forward in resolving the conflicts in Gaza. The coming days will be pivotal as both sides work towards the final phases of the deal.

“The Palestinian people have gone through hell. Too many innocent people have died. Too many communities have been destroyed,” Biden emphasized, underlining the human cost of the conflict.

President Isaac Herzog meets with ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric in his office on January 15, 2025. (Maayan Toaf/GPO)

Conclusion: A Path to Peace

The journey towards this ceasefire agreement has been fraught with challenges and setbacks. However, it marks a significant milestone in the ongoing quest for peace in the Mideast.

Biden and Trump’s administration collaboration will test whether bipartisanship can truly benefit international diplomacy.

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