Biden calls Gaza cease-fire ‘toughest negotiation,’ says region transformed

Hours after the Gaza cease-fire and hostage exchange deal took effect, U.S. President Joe Biden called it “one of the toughest negotiations” he has been involved in, emphasizing the “fundamental transformation” of the Middle East.

“This is one of the toughest negotiations I have been a part of… The road to this deal has not been easy at all, and it’s a long road,” Biden said during a news conference. “But we’ve reached this point today because of the pressure Israel built on Hamas, backed by the United States.”

The cease-fire follows Israel’s months-long war on Gaza, which began after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack that killed nearly 1,200 Israelis and led to the capture of 250 hostages.

Since then, nearly 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and over 110,700 others injured in Israel’s war, according to local health authorities.

Under the agreement, aid trucks have started entering Gaza to provide relief to civilians affected by the conflict.

“Today, the guns in Gaza have gone silent,” Biden said. “Hundreds of trucks are entering Gaza as I speak, carrying assistance for civilians who suffered enormously from the war that Hamas started.”

Hamas releases Israeli hostages in 1st phase of agreement

As part of the first phase of the cease-fire and prisoner exchange, Hamas released three Israeli captives to the Red Cross on Sunday.

Four more women are expected to be freed within seven days, with additional hostages—including at least two Americans—scheduled for release in subsequent phases, Biden said.

“The hostages appear to be in good health,” Biden said. “They may have already crossed the border from Gaza into Israel.”

‘Fundamental transformation’ of Middle East as US backs Israel

Biden also highlighted the region’s “fundamental” transformation, noting significant shifts in the balance of power after Israel’s war on Gaza.

“Now the region has been fundamentally transformed. Hamas’ longtime leader Sinwar is dead. Hamas sponsors in the Middle East have been badly weakened by Israel, backed by the United States. Hezbollah, one of Hamas’ biggest backers, was significantly weakened on the battlefield, and its leadership was destroyed,” Biden said.

Defending his policy of unwavering support for Israel, Biden responded to critics who argued it could escalate the conflict.

“Some said my policy of firm support for Israel… risked drawing America into a wider war in the region,” Biden said. “I listened to those voices, many of whom I respected a great deal, but I concluded that abandoning the course I was on would not have led us to the cease-fire we’re seeing today.”

Next administration responsible for implementation

Reflecting on the war’s toll, Biden called for renewed efforts toward achieving lasting peace in the region.

“As we reflect on the news from Gaza today, we also remember all the victims of this war,” he said. “The pursuit of lasting peace, while never easy or quick, must always be our calling.”

Biden emphasized that the next U.S. administration would be responsible for implementing the agreement, underscoring the importance of continued U.S. involvement in the region.

“Now falls the next administration to help implement this deal,” Biden remarked.