After 14 months of talks, Trump’s threats and his special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, played a major role in helping Biden officials reach the finish line.

The ceasefire deal marks a major win for President Joe Biden in his final days in office, but President-elect Donald Trump is also seeking credit.

The ceasefire deal is the same one Biden put forward months ago. If he had pushed harder, thousands of lives could have been saved.

Months of tedious talks over a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza – negotiations that required officials from an outgoing and incoming presidential administration to put aside their fundamental differences – culminated in an intense late-night push for an agreement that finally came to fruition on Wednesday.

Biden conveyed his deep appreciation for first lady Jill Biden, who joined him in the Oval Office. “My deepest appreciation to our amazing first lady with me in the Oval today, for our entire family, you’re the love of my life and the lives of my love,” he said. “My eternal thanks to you, the American people.”

Joe Biden gave his final TV sitdown interview to MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell this evening, as the outgoing president reflected on his accomplishments, including the recent ceasefire deal reached between Israel and Hamas.

Biden confirmed the ceasefire agreement in a speech on Wednesday afternoon, noting that it was his administration who negotiated the deal but it will be Trump’s administration that ensures it is implemented. The agreement comes after a 15-month-war wreaked havoc across Israel and Gaza, resulting in thousands of deaths.

President Joe Biden confused Palestinian militant group Hamas with Hezbollah while announcing a ceasefire to the Israel-Hamas war on Wednesday. Hamas and Hezbollah are both Iran-backed militant groups that have been involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Cease-fire set to start at 8:30 this morning • Deal includes release of terrorists with blood on their hands • PM says US gives backing to resume fighting if second phase talk fail

Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel reserves the right to resume fighting Hamas if its ceasefire-for-hostages deal with the militant group falls apart — and that it would have US backing in doing so.

President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration will be held indoors Monday at the Capitol due to dangerously cold temperatures. Follow for live updates on the final days of the presidential transition.