In a surprising turn of events, former President Joe Biden and ex-Secretary of State Antony Blinken have tipped their hats to President Donald Trump for sealing a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, as Fox News reports, though their statements were not without some qualification.

On Monday, both Biden and Blinken publicly praised Trump for finalizing this critical agreement, while also stirring a pot of political debate over who truly laid the foundation for peace in Gaza.

Biden, currently battling cancer, took to X to express relief that the conflict in Gaza appears to be winding down. He noted his administration’s tireless efforts to secure hostage releases and provide aid to Palestinian civilians. Yet, he didn’t shy away from giving Trump a nod for pushing the renewed deal to completion.

Trump's ceasefire deal spurs battle for credit

Biden’s words on X were heartfelt, but let’s not kid ourselves -- there’s a political chess game at play. He said he’s “deeply grateful and relieved” the war is nearing its end, yet the subtext screams a desire to claim a chunk of the credit. Well, fair enough, but results matter more than intentions, and Trump seems to have delivered where others faltered.

Blinken, not one to stay silent, chimed in with his own spin on X, asserting that Trump’s 20-point peace plan borrowed heavily from a framework his team crafted. He detailed how Arab states and Turkey pressured Hamas to stand down, while Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah offered no backup. It’s a convenient narrative, but it smells like sour grapes when the final signature isn’t yours.

Blinken admitted a temporary ceasefire under Biden’s watch in January freed 135 hostages, only to collapse soon after. That’s a bitter pill -- progress undone. Meanwhile, he questions whether Trump can sustain a lasting peace, a jab that feels more like a political reflex than a policy critique.

Trump makes bold moves in Egypt

Trump, never one to let criticism linger unanswered, brushed off Blinken’s doubts while speaking to Fox News’ Peter Doocy aboard Air Force One. He slammed the Middle East policies of both Biden and Obama’s administrations as disastrous. No surprise there -- Trump’s never been shy about pointing out what he sees as glaring failures.

While Blinken nitpicks, Trump was in Egypt on Monday, hammering out the second phase of the ceasefire with over 20 world leaders. He called the agreement historic, a moment that “answered the prayers of millions." Hyperbole or not, it’s hard to deny the weight of brokering peace in a region long scarred by conflict.

Blinken, to his credit, outlined specifics of a postwar Gaza plan that includes international stabilization forces and the full demilitarization of Hamas. He also noted goals like preventing terrorism platforms and avoiding forced population shifts. Fine ideas, but execution is king, and Trump’s team seems to be holding the scepter now.

Postwar plans, political posturing

Interestingly, Blinken gave Trump props for sticking to key principles like no annexation or occupation, and for paving a path toward a Palestinian state. It’s a rare olive branch, though it’s buried under layers of “we did it first” rhetoric. Credit where it’s due -- Trump built on something, even if the blueprint wasn’t entirely his.

Trump’s own take is predictably triumphant, declaring that together, “we have achieved the impossible." It’s classic Trump -- bold, brash, and unapologetic. Whether it’s truly impossible remains to be seen, but the optics of a signed deal are undeniably in his favor.

Let’s not forget the human cost behind these political volleys -- the Gaza conflict has ravaged lives on both sides. A ceasefire, whoever claims the glory, offers a glimmer of hope for Israelis and Palestinians alike. The Middle East deserves a breather from war, not more partisan point-scoring.

Hope for lasting peace in Gaza

Biden’s closing thoughts on X painted a vision of peace, dignity, and safety for all in the region. It’s a noble sentiment, even if his administration couldn’t quite seal the deal themselves. Still, hope is a currency worth investing in, especially in a place as battered as Gaza.

The real test lies ahead -- can this ceasefire hold, and can a postwar plan actually rebuild trust? Trump’s in the driver’s seat now, with Biden and Blinken watching from the sidelines, ready to critique every turn. For the sake of millions, let’s hope the road ahead isn’t just another mirage.

At the end of the day, peace isn’t a trophy to be hoisted by one leader or party. It’s a lifeline for those caught in the crossfire, and if Trump’s deal sticks, history won’t care who sketched the first draft. That’s the conservative take -- focus on outcomes, not egos, and let’s keep the progressive posturing out of real progress.