Gaza Ceasefire Credit: Biden’s Team or Trump’s Influence?
President Joe Biden recently credited his administration’s diplomatic efforts for the success of the Gaza ceasefire, but former President Donald Trump had a different view. He said the ceasefire could only have happened because he is soon returning to the presidency.
Biden’s Diplomatic Push
President Biden and his team have underlined their involvement in brokering the truce, citing weeks of intense diplomatic efforts. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other top officials were kept busy working closely with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, as well as regional allies like Egypt and Qatar, to put an end to the violence. The Biden administration has touted its balanced approach by pushing for Israel’s right to self-defense while appealing for restraint in an effort not to cause undue civilian casualties.
Recently, Biden credited the ceasefire to “quiet, relentless diplomacy” and his administration’s efforts to work with partners in the region. He also reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to a two-state solution as the pathway to lasting peace.
The Blunt Question
At a press briefing, one reporter wasn’t hesitant to ask Biden: “Mr. President, who do you believe deserves the credit for this—your administration or Donald Trump?” That question marked an important moment and underlined the debate, which has been rising in intensity to highlight two sharply contrasting narratives between the two leaders.
Claim of Influence by Trump
On the other hand, Donald Trump has emerged and asserted that the ceasefire was a result of his expected presidency. Trump postulates that during his tenure in office, the strong stand taken on Israel together with his decisive policy on foreign issues created an enabling environment for the ceasefire. The agreement, he says, was based on the assumption of his return to power administration because it would go on with the support afforded to Israel.
An administration of Trump had earlier facilitated the Abraham Accords, a package deal of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states, claims of precedent-setting peace in the region.
The Real Impact of U.S. Leadership
Experts have pointed out that, although both leaders are laying claims, on-the-ground realities such as international pressure and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza had a much larger influence on the ceasefire. Regional players such as Egypt, which has long been a mediator, played an important role in the truce.
The argument over who should take credit tells the greater story of U.S. influence in the Middle East: Not only did Biden come into office with a different foreign policy compared to the Trump administration, but the road to lasting peace in the region is complex and multifaceted.
The focus goes back to the humanitarian efforts and the long-term solutions needed to prevent future conflicts, and whoever gives the credit to Biden’s team or the perceived influence by Trump, in the end, is peace and stability for the people of Gaza and Israel.
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