Donald Trump Achieves Gaza Peace Breakthrough That Joe Biden Couldn't—And This Is the Part Most People Miss...
David Ignatius, a columnist for the Washington Post, recently praised former President Donald Trump for successfully brokering a Gaza peace deal—a milestone he argues President Joe Biden was never able to reach. But here's where it gets controversial: Ignatius claims Trump accomplished what many thought impossible amid the ongoing conflict.
On Wednesday night, Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had entered the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement, which he described as "historic." This first step also includes the exchange of hostages and prisoners, a development that has sparked both hope and skepticism. Trump took to his social platform, Truth Social, to celebrate this "unprecedented event," confidently stating, "ALL of the hostages will be released very soon."
During an appearance on MSNBC’s Morning Joe the following day, Ignatius responded to host Joe Scarborough’s observation that both Israeli and Arab leaders believed only Trump had the ability to resolve the conflict. Ignatius recounted a powerful conversation with a senior Israeli official shortly after the outbreak of violence on October 7. The official expressed deep shock and trauma but also said, "The United States is going to have to make decisions for us. Joe Biden could never do that. And Donald Trump was able to do it."
Ignatius pointed out that Trump’s decisive stance during critical moments—like declaring the necessity to halt the war and opposing the annexation of the West Bank by right-wing Israelis—set him apart. This firmness sent a clear message to Middle Eastern leaders that Trump was genuinely committed to peace.
What many overlook is Trump's discreet effort behind the scenes. Ignatius revealed that Trump quietly dispatched his team, including unexpected envoy Steve Witkoff, to work week by week toward crafting a comprehensive 20-point peace plan. This patient, behind-the-scenes diplomacy contrasts sharply with Biden’s public approach, which Ignatius contends lacked similar effectiveness despite his commitment to peace.
Ignatius emphasized earlier in the interview, "This war was blocked for two years. President Biden, who preceded Trump, was unable to find a way to stop it. President Trump found that way by being tough on both sides." He also predicted that Trump will likely take credit for this achievement in the coming days—though, in Ignatius’s view, such praise is well earned.
This commentary raises intriguing questions: Is Trump’s approach truly the breakthrough the region needed, or are we overlooking complexities that might challenge this narrative? Could Biden’s different strategy have merit that Ignatius doesn’t address? And perhaps most provocatively—what does this mean for the future role of U.S. leadership in Middle East peace efforts?
These are debates worth having, and it would be fascinating to hear your perspective. Do you agree with Ignatius’s appraisal of Trump’s impact, or do you see it differently? Sound off and let the conversation begin!
