Former President Donald Trump criticized Secretary of State Antony Blinken after Blinken credited President Joe Biden’s administration for the recent peace agreement between Israel and Hamas. The exchange took place as Trump traveled to the Middle East following the announcement of the deal, which includes the release of 20 hostages by Hamas and an Israeli withdrawal to a previously agreed line.
Blinken, in a statement posted on X, said, “It starts with a clear and comprehensive post conflict plan for Gaza. It’s good that President Trump adopted and built on the plan the Biden Administration developed after months of discussion with Arab partners, Israel and the Palestinian Authority. It centers on temporary, transitional authorities for Gaza’s governance, security, humanitarian assistance, and rebuilding, led by Arab and international partners alongside Palestinians, backed by the United States, and ultimately handed over to full Palestinian control.”
When asked about Blinken’s remarks by Fox News reporter Peter Doocy, Trump responded: “Everybody knows that’s a joke. They did such a bad job. This should’ve never happened. This wouldn’t have even happened. That was weak leadership. Same thing with Russia – Russia and Ukraine.” He continued: “Just a decent president…not a great president, like me…if a decent president was in, no Russia-Ukraine. And this is even more so. It was bad policy by Biden and by Obama!” Trump added: “It’s nice they try to take a little credit.”
The peace agreement comes after ongoing discussions involving U.S., Israeli, Palestinian Authority, and Arab representatives.
