In a notable shift, President Joe Biden expressed his support for a humanitarian “pause” in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict during a campaign event in Minneapolis. This change in stance comes in response to increasing pressure from human rights groups, global leaders, and members of his own Democratic Party, who have urged the U.S. to call for a cease-fire. The conflict, which began in response to the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, has resulted in thousands of casualties and a dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
While the White House has not explicitly called for a cease-fire, President Biden’s plea for a “pause” is seen as a diplomatic push to encourage Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow a brief reprieve in the military operation. This would facilitate the delivery of aid to civilians and the safe evacuation of foreign nationals trapped in Gaza. The President also highlighted his role in securing a temporary cease-fire for the release of hostages held by Hamas, emphasizing the need for a humanitarian approach to the crisis.
The President’s statements were made in a charged atmosphere, with demonstrators in the audience urging him to call for a cease-fire and highlighting the complexities of the situation for both Israelis and the Muslim world. While President Biden reaffirmed his support for a two-state solution, he emphasized that Hamas remains a “flat-out terrorist organization.” The White House is dispatching Ambassador Jack Lew to the Middle East to work on creating conditions for a humanitarian pause amid the worsening humanitarian conditions in the region.
Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Herzog, stressed their efforts to provide humanitarian supplies to Gaza, though they are cautious to prevent these supplies from benefiting Hamas. The situation remains fluid, with calls for a halt in hostilities and the delivery of aid gaining momentum.
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