When questioned about whether former President Trump deserved recognition for his involvement in the recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, President Biden offered a terse reply, simply asking, "Is that a joke?" This exchange occurred during a White House press conference on Wednesday, just days before the end of Biden's presidency.

Fox News' Jacqui Heinrich had inquired about who would receive historical credit for the ceasefire, given reports that a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, played a crucial role. Biden's dismissive response, followed by a curt "Thank you" and his departure from the podium, left the question unanswered.

Prior to the exchange with Heinrich, Biden outlined the two-phase ceasefire plan. The initial six-week phase involves a complete ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from populated Gazan areas, the release of hostages held by Hamas (including women, elderly, and wounded individuals), and the return of Palestinians to their homes. Biden expressed pride in American participation in the hostage release. The second phase, triggered after negotiations, aims to establish a permanent end to the conflict. Biden assured that the ceasefire would remain in effect as long as negotiations continued, even if they extended beyond the initial six weeks.

Weeks prior, Trump had issued a stern warning on social media, stating there would be "hell to pay" if the hostages were not released before he assumed office. Despite Biden's response, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller later acknowledged and thanked the Trump team for their contributions to the ceasefire negotiations, describing their joint participation as unusual, if not unprecedented.