In a surprising twist to one of the most historic peace moments in recent Middle Eastern history,
former President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Antony Blinken are now claiming that President Donald Trump’s breakthrough Gaza ceasefire was built on the foundation they laid years earlier.
The announcement came shortly after the ceasefire deal was signed in Egypt, bringing an end to more than two years of relentless warfare between Israel and Hamas. The agreement—heralded by President Trump as “the beginning of peace in the Middle East”—was celebrated around the world as hostages were freed, prisoners were released, and long-divided communities experienced a brief moment of relief and hope.
On social media, Biden—currently undergoing treatment for cancer—shared a reflective message about the road that led to this point. “The road to this deal was not easy,” he wrote. “My Administration worked relentlessly to bring hostages home, get relief to Palestinian civilians, and end the war.”
Blinken echoed that sentiment, crediting the diplomatic groundwork of the previous administration for helping create “the channels and relationships” that ultimately made the agreement possible. Though neither directly mentioned Trump by name, the implication was clear: Biden and Blinken wanted recognition for setting the stage long before Trump stepped into the spotlight.
Meanwhile, at a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, President Trump appeared jubilant as he stood before a lineup of world leaders—including the presidents of Turkey and Egypt, the emir of Qatar, and several European heads of state. With his signature flourish, Trump called the moment “the dawn of a new Middle East.”
“It took 3,000 years to get to this point,” Trump declared. “And it’s going to hold. This is the beginning of peace, the golden age of Israel and the golden age of the Middle East.”
The day’s events carried undeniable emotion. In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, tens of thousands of Israelis gathered from dawn to witness the return of 20 living hostages—men, women, and children who had spent years in captivity. The crowd erupted in cheers as reunions played out live on screens, with many holding signs thanking Trump for his role in securing their release.
For many in Israel, Trump’s persistence and personal engagement were seen as the driving force behind the final breakthrough. But the celebrations in Gaza painted a more complex picture. Nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees—many held without formal charges—were released by Israel as part of the agreement. Some were met with joyous family reunions, while others learned devastating news about loved ones lost during the conflict.
“This day marks both hope and heartbreak,” one Gaza resident told local reporters. “We are free, but everything we had is gone.”
Even as peace took hold on paper, questions loomed about the future. Reports suggested that a multinational stabilization force, potentially involving 20,000 to 40,000 troops, could soon enter Gaza to ensure security and disarm remaining Hamas elements. However, the details remain unclear—including which countries would contribute troops, what rules of engagement they’d follow, and whether the mission would be peacekeeping or peace-enforcing.
Egypt’s foreign minister confirmed that discussions were underway about deploying U.S. troops to Gaza as part of that force, describing it as a “critical element for stability.” Trump, however, sidestepped those specifics during his remarks, focusing instead on the symbolism of the moment.
“We choose life over death, hope over strife, and harmony over hatred,” Trump said. “Together, we will forge a magnificent and enduring peace.”
Still, the political battle back home is already intensifying. Biden’s statement on X drew criticism from Trump allies, who accused him of trying to rewrite history. “This was Trump’s deal from start to finish,” one senior Republican strategist told reporters. “Biden had nothing to do with it.”
For their part, Biden and Blinken appear content to let history debate their influence. What’s undeniable is that, after years of bloodshed, a fragile peace has finally taken root—and for the first time in a long time, Israelis and Palestinians are daring to believe that it might last.
Whether this ceasefire endures or collapses under the weight of mistrust and unresolved grievances remains to be seen. But for now, amid the cheers in Tel Aviv and Gaza’s cautious relief, one truth stands out: after generations of war, even the smallest step toward peace is something worth claiming.