Trump: “Release the hostages before I take office or all hell will break loose!” Biden: “Hey look what I just did!”

Joe Biden, who has flailed in his horrendous response to the attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, is now trying to take credit for a limited deal that would release SOME of the hostages Hamas took during that terrorist event. The reality is that Donald Trump threatened Hamas with devastation if they didn’t have the hostages released by the time he enters office on January 20, and sent an envoy to secure the deal in the past few days. It’s a bad deal, actually, but what’s worse is that Biden is trying to steak credit for it just 5 days before he’s kicked out of Washington for good.
The Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, as reported, outlines a structured agreement to end the 15-month conflict in Gaza. Here’s a summary of the key points:
  • Ceasefire and Hostage Exchange: The agreement includes an initial six-week ceasefire phase during which 33 Israeli hostages held by Hamas would be released. This includes women, children, elderly, sick, and wounded individuals, in exchange for a significantly larger number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The deal also involves the release of some deceased hostages if there aren’t enough living ones meeting the criteria.
  • Phased Implementation: The ceasefire is divided into three stages:
    • First Stage: A temporary halt in fighting allowing for the release of hostages and prisoners, withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas to defined zones near the border, and the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes. This stage also ensures humanitarian aid enters Gaza without obstacles.
    • Second Stage: This would involve a permanent ceasefire, full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of remaining hostages, including male soldiers, for more Palestinian prisoners.
    • Third Stage: An exchange of remains of deceased hostages and prisoners, alongside a long-term reconstruction plan for Gaza, aiming to end the blockade.
  • Mediation and Endorsement: The deal was mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. It has been welcomed internationally, with endorsements from various global leaders and institutions.
  • Implementation and Challenges: The deal requires approval from the Israeli cabinet and potentially faces legal challenges in the Israeli Supreme Court. There have been previous instances where ceasefire agreements were undermined by actions from either side, highlighting the complexity and fragility of such arrangements.
  • Political and Security Implications: The agreement aims at not just ending immediate hostilities but also setting the stage for long-term peace, security for Israel, and Palestinian self-determination. However, political opposition within Israel, particularly from far-right elements in the government, could pose challenges to its implementation.