While Trump, Biden claim credit for Israel-Hamas cease-fire, some Republicans call it a ‘bad deal’
As President-elect Trump and President Biden engage in a battle for credit over a recent cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, some Republicans are expressing skepticism about the deal and its potential longevity. Rep. Brian Mast, the House’s new Foreign Affairs Committee chair, voiced his concerns, stating that he does not trust Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Al-Aqsa martyrs Brigade, Fatah, or the Palestinian people who voted for Hamas. He emphasized that he has no trust in these groups and individuals in any way.
Mast highlighted his belief that the fear of consequences under the Trump administration has played a role in the recent cease-fire agreement. He acknowledged that while he is pleased to see Americans being brought home, he remains skeptical about the deal as a whole. The involvement of Americans in the conflict, with seven hostages still being held by Hamas, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Senator Tom Cotton also criticized the cease-fire agreement, questioning the motivations behind the deal and expressing concerns about the terms being negotiated. He argued that the focus should be on unconditional surrender by Hamas and the return of all hostages, rather than what he perceived as a potentially unfavorable deal for Israel.
The deal, brokered with the assistance of Qatari negotiators and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, is set to be implemented in three phases. The first phase involves the release of three hostages on the first day, followed by a gradual release of additional hostages and Palestinian prisoners over a 42-day period. The agreement also includes provisions for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from certain areas in Gaza.
Despite the involvement of the outgoing Biden administration in the negotiations, Trump has claimed credit for the cease-fire, attributing it to his administration’s focus on peace and diplomacy. Biden, on the other hand, emphasized that his team played a significant role in developing and negotiating the deal, which will be carried out by the incoming administration.
As Israel’s Cabinet prepares to meet to ratify the agreement, the future of the cease-fire remains uncertain. The skepticism expressed by some Republicans underscores the complex nature of the situation and the challenges involved in reaching a lasting peace agreement in the region.
