A diplomat briefed on the negotiations said Hamas’s diminished position aided negotiations, in addition to Trump’s influence, saying this was “the first time there has been real pressure on the Israeli side to accept a deal.” The diplomat, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss closed-door talks, said the contours of the agreement suggest that Israeli negotiators offered concessions on issues that had previously impeded a breakthrough.
But a senior Biden administration official contested the idea that Trump’s Inauguration Day ultimatum secured a conclusion to talks. The official said that while deadlines can be helpful, the “catalyst” for success was the defeat of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia; a ceasefire deal in Lebanon; and Hamas’s “massive isolation.”
It’s unclear what the “pressure” was from the Trump camp to get it done. Time will tell I guess.
This is the Wapo story referenced in the thread: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/01/15/trump-biden-credit-israel-hamas-ceasefire/
It’s unclear what the “pressure” was from the Trump camp to get it done. Time will tell I guess.