E ven before the ceasefire in Gaza Donald Trump had begun to reshape the Middle East. He was influential in pushing Israel to a truce with Lebanon in November. The fragile deal struck between Israel and Hamas on January 15th further reduces the intensity of the fighting in the region and resets Israel’s domestic politics.

Steve Witkoff, President-elect Trump's chief Middle East negotiator who played a key role in the Hamas-Israeli ceasefire, is a billionaire real estate developer and investor.

President Biden offered his remarks: “I’m deeply satisfied this day has finally come, for the sake of the people of Israel and the sake of the families of hostages waiting in agony. And for the sake of innocent people in Gaza who have suffered unimaginable devastation.”

Under the patronage of the US, Qatar and Egypt, a three-part plan has been approved in principle by Israel and Hamas. But its implementation remains very delicate.

Negotiators from Israel and Hamas have agreed to a 42-day cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza, President Biden and other leaders announced on Wednesday, raising hopes that a 15-month war that killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and destroyed much of the enclave could soon come to an end.

Joe Biden was battling with Donald Trump over who gets the credit for the Middle East hostage release and ceasefire deal after the president’s Hail Mary pass to save his legacy was snatched at the end line.

President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump are both claiming credit for Israel and Hamas agreeing to a ceasefire deal in Gaza after the White House brought Trump’s Middle East envoy into negotiations that have dragged on for months.

After the meeting, Netanyahu sent the head of Mossad and others to Qatar to "advance" talks to return hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

Mediators say Israel and Hamas have agreed to a pause in fighting in Gaza and to begin releasing the hostages held there

That bellicosity seems to have helped secure a ceasefire in Lebanon, and now one in Gaza. During the first phase of the accord, meant to last six weeks, Hamas will free 33 of the 98 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza,