Behind the Gaza deal: a US odd couple and last-minute snags

The Israel-Hamas agreement, brokered through intensive negotiations, came to fruition after four days of relentless efforts, 18-hour workdays, and an unusual collaboration between envoys from the Biden and Trump administrations. Brett McGurk, Biden’s envoy, and Steve Witkoff, Trump’s representative, worked in tandem alongside mediators from Qatar and Egypt, who navigated between Israeli and Hamas delegations stationed on separate floors in Doha.

This unlikely partnership between the administrations proved pivotal. Witkoff’s intervention, including urging Netanyahu to meet on the Sabbath, helped solidify crucial details. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby praised the unprecedented coordination, emphasizing its significance in reaching the agreement.

The negotiations gained urgency due to the impending transition of U.S. leadership, with Biden and Trump’s teams aligning on shared national interests despite political differences. The breakthrough also stemmed from a major strategic realignment in the region. Key events, such as the eliminations of Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, and Iran’s weakened defenses, shifted the balance against Hamas.

Final talks centered on resolving hostages and prisoner exchanges, described as “incredibly complex.” Confidence in the deal’s success emerged only hours before its announcement. President Biden expressed relief, declaring, “At long last,” while both administrations continued to dispute credit for the achievement.

This article was reported by journalist Angelia.