Jan. 16, 2025 (EIRNS)—While Joe Biden claims it was ongoing work by him and his team that brought about the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement announced on Wednesday, Jan. 15, it was plainly the result of President-elect Donald Trump’s efforts to achieve an agreement—in large part to free him up to pursue his own priorities. Palestinians, relieved if not jubilant, Israeli extremists, shocked and furious, and families of the hostages, hopeful of seeing their loved ones, have responded to the news in their own way. Clearly, the Biden administration—or whatever or whoever has been running U.S. executive policy—could have forced the deal months ago, but it chose to allow the ongoing destruction of Gaza while paying lip service to the aspirations of the Palestinians.