As President Joe Biden’s term ends on January 20, his aides are working with the team of elected President Donald Trump to facilitate a ceasefire in Gaza. As reported by Voice of America correspondent Patsy Widakuswara, analysts say that Mr. Trump’s ultimatum for a ceasefire is unlikely to resolve the unresolved issues on the negotiation table.
Deaths and destruction continue to be a daily reality for Palestinians in Gaza, despite U.S. pressure for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. President Biden’s term ends on January 20.
“We’re seeing some progress. We hope to have a prisoner exchange. Hamas is blocking this exchange. But I think it can be achieved. We have to get it done,” said President Joe Biden.
The U.S. President’s team is continuing coordination with the incoming administration of elected President Donald Trump. President Biden’s envoy, Amos Hochstein, is continuing diplomatic efforts in the region. This week, Mr. Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is holding talks with Qatari officials, who are intermediaries for Hamas.
“In fact, I believe we are working together in a really good way. But it is the president, his reputation, the things he has said, that are driving this negotiation,” said Steve Witkoff, the incoming U.S. President’s envoy to the Middle East.
Earlier this week, Mr. Trump reiterated his ultimatum for an agreement that would free Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
“If they are not freed by the time I take office, hell will follow in the Middle East.”
Analysts say Mr. Trump’s ultimatum is unlikely to influence Hamas, as the group, designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., continues to be targeted by Israel’s military campaign. They argue it is unlikely to affect unresolved issues on the negotiation table.
Voice of America spoke with former U.S. Middle East negotiator Aaron David Miller, who currently works with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
“The number of prisoners to be released, how many hostages, proof that they are alive, the location of the living hostages, how many will be released in the first phase [of the ceasefire]? These are issues that have little to do with the future policies of the Trump administration.”
On Thursday, President Biden welcomed the election of Joseph Aoun by the Lebanese parliament as the country’s next president, ending a multi-year governance vacuum and a year-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
