Biden hopes ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict by ‘next Monday’. United States President Joe Biden has indicated that a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could be on the horizon, with hopes that it may commence as early as next Monday.
Biden’s statement came during an impromptu remark while on a visit to New York, as reported by The Guardian.
Addressing reporters’ queries regarding the potential timing of a ceasefire, Biden remarked, “My national security adviser tells me that we’re close. We’re close. We’re not done yet. My hope is by next Monday, we’ll have a ceasefire.”
The President made these remarks following the recording of an appearance on NBC’s ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers’.
Also read: US Air Force serviceman sets self on fire outside Israeli Embassy
Meanwhile, over the weekend, Israel’s war cabinet greenlit a proposal to halt hostilities for several weeks, contingent upon the release of hostages in Gaza.
Negotiations are actively underway between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by intermediaries such as Egypt, Qatar, the United States, and France.
According to AFP, the proposed deal could include the release of several hundred Palestinian detainees currently held by Israel.
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, pivotal in past mediation efforts, is expected to visit Paris this week, as confirmed by the French presidency.
A temporary ceasefire, spanning several weeks, would facilitate the delivery of essential aid to Gaza.
The region has been ravaged by violence, with nearly 30,000 casualties reported by the Gaza health ministry.
Widespread disease and food shortages have compounded the humanitarian crisis.
The recent offensive on Gaza was prompted by Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7, resulting in significant casualties and the seizure of hostages.
While over 100 hostages were released in exchange for a brief pause in hostilities, Israeli authorities estimate that approximately 130 individuals remain in captivity in Gaza.
Biden’s remarks regarding the ceasefire coincided with a tragic incident in Washington, where an active-duty member of the US Air Force succumbed to self-immolation outside the Israeli embassy.
The act was reportedly a protest against the violence in Gaza, highlighting the emotional intensity of the conflict.
As Biden hopes ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict by ‘next Monday’, activists are calling on Democratic voters in the Michigan primary election to cast “uncommitted” ballots, urging Biden to advocate for a permanent ceasefire.
