President Joe Biden has expressed optimism regarding a potential ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. During an appearance at an ice cream shop in New York City, Biden shared his hopes for a resolution, stating, “My national security adviser tells me that we’re close. We’re close, it’s not done yet. And my hope is that by next Monday, we’ll have a ceasefire.” The President’s comments came as efforts are underway to negotiate a pause in the hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Hamas, the militant group in control of the Gaza Strip, recently adjusted some of its key demands during negotiations for a ceasefire. Israel had criticized the initial stance as “delusional.” A senior Biden administration official noted progress in overcoming major obstacles, particularly regarding Hamas insisting on a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and an end to the conflict.
President Biden also reiterated his perspective on the Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing that the majority of Palestinians are not aligned with Hamas. He acknowledged the suffering of Palestinian civilians due to the actions of the militant group. This stance aligns with his earlier statements in which he condemned terrorism and affirmed the United States’ support for Israel’s right to self-defense.
Efforts toward a ceasefire have been ongoing amid the escalating violence, with diplomatic channels actively engaged in finding a resolution to the crisis. As of now, the situation remains fluid, and international leaders are closely monitoring developments in the region.