Biden Announces Ceasefire and Hostage Deal

A breakthrough deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas, confirmed by President Biden, that includes a phased release of hostages and a ceasefire after 15 months of conflict. Biden stated that the agreement would halt fighting and allow for humanitarian aid to Palestinians, emphasizing that American diplomacy played a crucial role in the negotiations. However, former officials from the Biden administration criticized the president for not acting sooner, suggesting that the deal could have been brokered earlier if he had utilized the leverage the U.S. possessed. In contrast, President-elect Donald Trump has been praised by Arab officials for allegedly exerting more pressure on Israel to reach the deal, with claims that his administration's approach was more effective than Biden's. The multi-phase agreement includes the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Despite the optimism surrounding the deal, it faces opposition from factions on both sides who want different terms regarding hostages and the future of Hamas.