The Biden White House is working closely with officials from the incoming Trump administration to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal to halt the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas before Trump's inauguration on January 20. Talks have resumed following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, with efforts led by CIA Director Bill Burns, Brett McGurk, and Steve Witkoff, Trump's Middle East envoy.
Trump has expressed a desire to start his second term with both the Lebanon and Gaza conflicts resolved and the hostages released by Hamas. Both administrations are in constant coordination, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasizing the shared goal of getting the hostages back and achieving a ceasefire.
Despite policy differences, the two teams are working together for a smooth transition. The framework for the deal involves the release of female, elderly, and wounded hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Turkey has joined the discussions, and there is optimism for progress, although challenges remain.
Israel is seeing more flexibility from Hamas, and Qatar is applying pressure on the militant group. The involvement of Adam Boehler, Trump's top official for hostage affairs, is expected to play a significant role in the negotiations. Boehler's mandate may lead to direct conversations with Hamas to secure the release of hostages.
The efforts to achieve a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza reflect a shared commitment between the outgoing and incoming administrations, signaling a united approach to resolving the conflict and securing the release of hostages.
