Biden refuses to acknowledge Trump's role in the Israel-Hamas cease-fire agreement, asking, "Is that a joke?"

On Wednesday, Planet Chronicle senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich asked President Biden if President-elect Trump should be given credit for the Israel-Hamas cease-fire agreement, and Biden responded by expressing hesitation.

The deal was struck during Biden's last days in office, just six days before Trump's second term commenced on January 20th. According to sources, a recent meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Steve Witkoff, Trump's incoming Middle East envoy, played a crucial role in the agreement.

At Wednesday afternoon's White House news conference, Biden was asked by Heinrich, "Who in history will be credited with this, Mr. President, you or Trump?"

"Is that a joke?" the president responded.

Biden walked away after denying that her question was in jest.

Earlier, Biden stated that the cease-fire would have two phases. The first phase, lasting approximately six weeks, would involve a complete cease-fire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, and the release of several hostages held by Hamas, including women, elderly, and the wounded.

"Biden stated that Americans will also be included in the hostage release and phase one, and he expressed his excitement to welcome them back home along with the vice president."

Biden announced that Israel has released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and Palestinians can return to their neighborhoods in all areas of Gaza. The second phase of the cease-fire will begin after Israel negotiates the necessary arrangements, marking a permanent end of the war.

"The president stated that there are several aspects to discuss before transitioning from phase one to phase two. However, the plan specifies that if the negotiations last beyond six weeks, the cease-fire will remain in effect until the negotiations continue."

Trump had previously stated that there would be dire consequences if a hostage deal was not reached by the time he assumed office.

Trump wrote on Truth Social: "The hostages being held violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World in the Middle East are the subject of much discussion, but it's all just talk with no action."

If the hostages are not released before January 20, 2025, the date when I will assume the presidency of the United States, there will be dire consequences in the Middle East, and those responsible for committing these heinous acts against humanity will face severe retribution.

After Biden declared the agreement, Matthew Miller from the State Department thanked Trump's team for their part in the negotiations.

"It is not common for envoys from both the outgoing and incoming administrations to negotiate a cease-fire agreement of this kind, according to Miller. However, if it has been done before, it is still unusual."

"We thank the Trump team for their involvement in the cease-fire agreement. We believe it is crucial that they were present."

This report was contributed to by Danielle Wallace, Greg Norman, Trey Yingst, Brooke Curto, Efrat Lachter, and Sophia Compton of Planet Chronicle Digital.