Victor Ezeja
There are indications that a recent warning by the United States President-elect, Donald Trump, triggered the move by the incumbent President, Joe Biden and other mediators, to persuade Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire agreement and release hostages from both sides.
Trump in a speech last week, warned that “all hell will be let loose” in the Middle East if Hamas did not release hostages before he is sworn into office on Monday, 20th January.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“If those taken hostages aren’t back, I don’t want to hold any negotiation, if they are not back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East. It will not be good for Hamas and it will not be good for anyone else,” Trump said last week.
Prime Business Africa had reported that Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire deal on Wednesday that will last for about three weeks for the first phase as part of efforts to stop the war that has lingered for 15 months. The deal also includes the exchange of hostages between Israel and Hamas.
Speaking after the ceasefire deal was announced, Biden said he laid out the plan for the deal on 31st May 2024 after which it was unanimously endorsed by the United Nations Security Council. He claimed that the dogged and painstaking American diplomacy” contributed to the success of the deal.
READ ALSO: US Warns Israel To Boost Humanitarian Aid To Gaza Or Risk Losing Military Assistance
Biden noted that the deal would not only deescalate tension in Gaza but also pave the way for more humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families.
Trump while reacting to the announcement of the ceasefire agreement, claimed that it would not have happened without his presidential victory in November against Kamala Harris.
“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, 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,” he said in a Truth Social post.
Trump also revealed that his special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, worked closely with President Biden’s negotiators to reach a conclusion on the deal.
According to Trump, Witkoff and his incoming national security team “will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to ensure that Gaza never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists.”
“We will continue promoting Peace Through Strength throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World!” Trump added.
