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.

The agreement removed one of the most vexing international conflicts that hovered over the start of his second term.

Rarely if ever have teams of current and new presidents of different parties worked together at such a high-stakes moment.

Israel and Hamas have agreed to pause the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, mediators announced Wednesday, raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.

President-elect Donald Trump was quick to take credit for the cease-fire struck Wednesday between Israel and Hamas — and progressive critics of the Biden administration’s approach to the conflict were quick to give it to him.