The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has emerged as both a diplomatic breakthrough and a political flashpoint in the United States. As the agreement takes its first steps toward implementation, a debate has erupted over who deserves more credit for brokering the deal — outgoing President Joe Biden or incoming President-elect Donald Trump. Biden’s sharp response to a reporter’s question on the matter, “Is that a joke?” has become the centerpiece of this controversy, stirring discussions in political circles and social media alike.
The ceasefire, announced on Wednesday, is a multi-stage agreement designed to ease hostilities between Israel and Hamas while addressing pressing humanitarian concerns. Under the deal, Hamas will release hostages it has been holding in Gaza, while Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The agreement also includes provisions to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and to facilitate the safe return of displaced residents to their homes.
President Biden, in a press conference, emphasized that his administration had laid the groundwork for the deal months earlier, but he acknowledged that its implementation would largely fall to the incoming Trump administration. This handover of responsibility is a rare example of cooperation during a presidential transition, especially between two leaders with starkly different political styles.
Speaking alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Biden praised his diplomatic team for their relentless efforts. “This is the exact framework of the deal I proposed back in May — exact,” Biden said, highlighting the diplomatic legwork done by his administration. He further credited America’s unwavering support for Israel during his term, which, he argued, “helped them badly weaken Hamas and its backers and create the conditions for this deal.”
The reporter’s question about Trump’s role in the ceasefire negotiations elicited Biden’s now-viral reply, “Is that a joke?” While some viewed the remark as dismissive, others saw it as a reflection of Biden’s confidence in his administration’s contributions.
Meanwhile, Trump has been vocal about his role in the deal, claiming that his election victory was the decisive factor. In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies.”
Trump’s team also played an active role in the final stages of the agreement. With Biden’s approval, Trump dispatched Steve Witkoff, his Middle East envoy, to oversee negotiations in Qatar, which involved Egyptian, Qatari, and U.S. officials. Witkoff reportedly applied significant pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to the terms, a move that was instrumental in sealing the deal.
The agreement represents a rare diplomatic win for both administrations, but it has also drawn criticism. Observers have pointed out that a similar framework for the ceasefire had been proposed months earlier, raising questions about the delay. Khaled Elgindy, a former adviser to Palestinian leadership, commented, “If you could get this deal today, well, why couldn’t you get it in May? This is a massive failure by Biden.”
Social media has been abuzz with reactions to Biden’s four-word response, with many users sharing the clip of the exchange. While the statement has sparked humor and memes online, it has also underscored the deep divisions in U.S. politics and the high stakes of foreign policy decision-making.
For Trump, the ceasefire deal serves as a prelude to his return to the presidency on January 20, 2025. His insistence on taking credit for the agreement bolsters his image as a dealmaker, a reputation he has cultivated throughout his political career. However, critics argue that his claims overshadow the collaborative efforts required to bring the agreement to fruition.
The ceasefire agreement itself is not without challenges. The three-stage process includes provisions for the release of additional hostages and Palestinian prisoners, as well as the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Analysts have noted that successful implementation will require consistent international oversight and cooperation, something that may prove difficult given the fragile political dynamics in the region.
Biden’s critics have also pointed to his handling of the broader Israel-Hamas conflict, arguing that his administration’s unconditional support for Israel during the war contributed to the devastation in Gaza. Since October 2024 alone, over 4,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health officials. Critics contend that more robust U.S. intervention earlier in the conflict could have mitigated the humanitarian toll.
Despite these criticisms, the ceasefire represents a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak landscape. For the hostages and their families, the agreement offers the promise of long-awaited reunions. For the people of Gaza, it brings the possibility of relief after months of relentless bombing and deprivation.
As the world watches the implementation of the agreement, the debate over who deserves credit — Biden or Trump — is likely to persist. While both leaders have played significant roles, the focus must remain on the humanitarian and political challenges that lie ahead. For now, the ceasefire stands as a testament to the power of diplomacy, even in the face of immense political and human suffering.
