Biden and Blinken Reflect on Trump’s Ceasefire Agreement with Hamas

On Monday, former President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Antony Blinken attributed some credit to President Donald Trump’s ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Biden, currently receiving treatment for cancer, expressed relief and gratitude on a social media platform, stating he is “deeply grateful and relieved” as the conflict in Gaza draws to a close.

He acknowledged the difficulty of reaching this agreement, saying, “My administration worked relentlessly to bring home the hostages, rescue Palestinian civilians, and end the war.” Yet, he also gave a nod to Trump for securing a “new cease-fire deal across the finish line.”

Biden concluded with optimism, hoping for a lasting peace that ensures dignity and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Blinken elaborated on Trump’s 20-point peace plan, suggesting it builds upon a framework from the Biden administration. In a detailed post, he noted the changing attitudes among Arab states and Turkey towards Hamas, indicating broader regional support against Iranian-backed groups.

“That starts with a clear and comprehensive post-conflict plan for Gaza,” he remarked, emphasizing that it’s positive Trump has expanded on the Biden administration’s plan, which involved extensive consultations with various stakeholders.

The Biden administration had previously brokered a temporary ceasefire with Hamas in January, freeing 135 hostages before the agreement fell apart.

Blinken voiced skepticism regarding how Trump plans to establish a sustainable peace strategy.

In a moment with a Fox News correspondent, Trump dismissed Blinken’s claims as trivial and pointed to what he called poor policies under Biden and Obama, stating, “If he had been a decent president… the Russia-Ukraine war would not have happened.”

During a visit to Egypt, Trump aimed to advance the next phase of the ceasefire, engaging with over 20 world leaders. He remarked, “We’ve been hearing about it for years, but no one ever thought we’d get this far. And now we’re getting there.”

Trump noted, “Today is the day for which people in this region and around the world have been working, striving, hoping and praying.” He celebrated the agreement as a significant achievement, claiming it fulfilled the hopes of millions.

Blinken stressed the need for an immediate post-war plan in Gaza, addressing challenges like mobilizing international stabilization forces and disarming Hamas. He also praised Trump for reaffirming foundational principles for the Gaza Strip aimed at preventing terrorism and fostering conditions for a potential Palestinian state.