In a statement today, President Biden, in the final days of his presidency, shared that U.S. citizens would be part of the hostages released by Hamas under a cease-fire agreement concerning the Gaza Strip. However, he did not acknowledge President-elect Donald Trump’s role in pressuring Hamas.

“I’m proud to say Americans will be part of that hostage release in phase one,” Biden, 82, remarked during a briefing at the White House. This came after Qatar announced the deal, which includes the potential release of hostages as soon as Sunday.

Despite repeated questioning, Biden refused to acknowledge Trump’s influence, even after the latter had warned of severe consequences if Hamas didn’t release the hostages by the time he assumes office on Monday.

When asked about Trump’s envoys’ role in the deal, Biden dismissed the idea, saying, “Well, you know, this is the exact framework of the deal I proposed back in May, the exact.”

In response to further questioning regarding credit for the deal, Biden responded, “Is that a joke? Oh —” before walking off.

Earlier, Trump, whose Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff played a key role in the final stages of the negotiations, took credit for the agreement. He claimed it was only possible because of the “History [sic] Victory in November.”

Trump also mistakenly called his national security adviser Jake Sullivan “secretary” and wrongly attributed the October 7th attack to Hezbollah instead of Hamas.

Biden, however, declined to acknowledge Trump’s team, stating, “Many peacemakers made this detail happen.”

While discussing the long-awaited deal, which aims to free the hostages held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, Biden seemed to mix up some details. He mentioned a conversation with the “emir of Kuwait” when he likely meant to reference Qatar.

Additionally, he mistakenly referred to Jake Sullivan as “secretary.”

Biden went on to express excitement about the return of the hostages, saying he and Vice President Kamala Harris, who stood alongside him, “cannot wait to welcome [the hostages] home,” although they will likely have left office by that time.

{Matzav.com}