Biden Urges Humanitarian ‘Pause’ Amidst Israel-Hamas Conflict

In a recent development, U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed his support for a humanitarian “pause” in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This statement came after a protestor disrupted his campaign speech on Wednesday evening, advocating for a cease-fire.

“An immediate pause is essential,” stated President Biden.

This is a nuanced shift from the previously consistent stance held by Biden and key White House advisors. Throughout the Mideast crisis, the official stance has been not to interfere or prescribe how Israel should manage their military activities, especially following the October 7th offensive initiated by Hamas.

However, the international community, inclusive of human rights organizations, global leaders, and even some progressive members from Biden’s Democratic Party, have been urging for a cease-fire. They argue that Israel’s continuous airstrikes on Gaza represent a form of collective punishment.

In his address, Biden was indirectly pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to grant Palestinians a temporary respite from the incessant military campaigns that have led to thousands of fatalities and plunged the 141-square-mile Gaza strip into a deep humanitarian disaster.

Although the White House has not officially demanded a cease-fire, it has implied that Israel should contemplate humanitarian intermissions. This would allow civilians to access necessary aid and permit foreign nationals trapped in Gaza an opportunity to evacuate.

Recent updates reveal that Israeli ground forces are intensifying their operations near Gaza City. On the other hand, after enduring over three weeks of encirclement, hundreds of foreign nationals and several critically wounded Palestinians have been permitted to depart from Gaza.

Among the initial evacuees from Gaza were four individuals released by Hamas and another individual saved by the Israeli military. These evacuations took place even as large-scale displacements occurred due to bombings, and essential resources like food, water, and fuel dwindled.

John Kirby, the spokesman for the White House National Security Council, announced earlier on Wednesday that Jack Lew, the newly appointed U.S. ambassador to Israel, would be sent to the Middle East. His assignment would include aiding the U.S. in its mission to facilitate a humanitarian pause, addressing the dire conditions faced by Palestinian civilians.

During a speech in Minneapolis on Wednesday evening, Biden was recounting his motivations for the 2020 presidential run when a woman, identifying herself as a rabbi, interjected, urging him to endorse a cease-fire. Biden’s appearance in Minneapolis attracted over 1,000 protesters near the event location, brandishing Palestinian flags and placards condemning the violence.

Addressing the interruption, Biden acknowledged the sentiments of the protestor, who was later escorted out. He clarified that by “pause,” he meant allowing for the safe evacuation of hostages and delivering humanitarian aid.

Biden recognized the intricacies of the situation, stating, “Navigating this is complex for both the Israelis and the Muslim world.” He reaffirmed his support for a two-state solution. He was forthright in his description of Hamas as a “straightforward terrorist organization.”

However, he highlighted his proactive involvement in securing humanitarian assistance, crediting himself for persuading both Netanyahu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi to permit aid delivery to Gaza.

Report by Madhani from Washington. Additional contributions by Colleen Long in Washington and Amy Forliti in Minneapolis for Big Big News.

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More about Biden Israel-Hamas humanitarian pause

• President Joe Biden’s Official Statements
• Recent Developments in the Israel-Hamas Conflict
• White House Announcements on Mideast Crisis
• Background on the Gaza Humanitarian Situation
• Jack Lew’s Appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Israel