[The Biden White House is working to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal to end the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas before Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. The US officials have been working with officials from the incoming administration, with CIA Director Bill Burns and White House official Brett McGurk driving the ceasefire deal, while Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is being kept informed.
The efforts are focused on a framework that collapsed several months ago, with the US, Qatar, and Egypt pushing for a ceasefire. The plan includes a “humanitarian” phase where remaining female, elderly, and wounded hostages would be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Turkey has recently joined the discussions, and Israel is seeing more flexibility from Hamas, which has backed off its demand for a complete end to the war.
Meanwhile, Trump has expressed his desire to see a ceasefire and the release of hostages before his inauguration, with his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff visiting Israel and Qatar to discuss the issue. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has sought to spin Trump’s warning, saying it reflects the US’s determination to get the hostages back.
Despite policy differences between the two administrations, officials from the outgoing and incoming teams are working together, with the goal of reaching a ceasefire before Trump takes office. Trump’s team is expected to take a more active role in the negotiations, with Adam Boehler, a former national security official, set to take on a more prominent role as Trump’s top official for hostage affairs.
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