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WASHINGTON — The United States is working on an agreement between Israel and Hamas that would halt fighting in the Gaza Strip for at least six weeks to allow the release of additional hostages still held by Hamas, President Joe Biden said Monday.
After meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House, Biden said that after a “period of sustained peace” in Gaza, “we can take time to build something more lasting.” Ta.
Biden said he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the leaders of Qatar and Egypt “to advance this.”
“The key elements of the agreement are on the table,” Biden said. “While gaps remain, I have encouraged Israeli leaders to continue their efforts to reach an agreement. The United States will make every effort to achieve an agreement.”
Israel has announced that about 100 Hamas prisoners in the Gaza Strip are still alive, out of about 240 hostages taken by Hamas in the extremist group’s violent attack on Israel on October 7. About 100 people were released during the previous ceasefire in November, and the militants are believed to be holding the remains of more than 30 people, most of whom died in the October 7 attack.
Biden, who faces growing backlash from the left over his unwavering support for Israel, doubled down on criticism of Israel again on Monday after saying last week that Israel’s military response in the Gaza Strip was “overreach.” Ta.
“Of the more than 27,000 Palestinians killed in this conflict, far too many are innocent civilians, including thousands of children,” Biden said. . “And hundreds of thousands of people do not have access to food, water, or other basic services. Many families have lost not just one but many relatives and cannot mourn them because they are unsafe. , I can’t even bury it.”
Biden added, “Every innocent life lost in Gaza is a tragedy. Every innocent life lost in Israel is a tragedy as well. We stand behind both Israelis and Palestinians. I pray for the lives lost.”
Israeli security forces raided an apartment building in the center of Rafah in southern Gaza on Monday, freeing two hostages and killing three guards in a daring operation. Gaza authorities claim this has claimed the lives of dozens of Palestinians.
Biden said he had discussed Israel’s impending invasion of Gaza with King Abdullah II, saying Israel “proceeds without a credible plan to ensure the safety and support of the more than 1 million people sheltered there.” “It shouldn’t be done,” he reaffirmed.
King Abdullah II stood behind Biden and said, “We cannot allow Israel to attack Rafah.”
“It is certain to cause a new humanitarian catastrophe,” the king said. “We cannot let this continue in silence. We need a permanent ceasefire now. This war must end.”
Contact Joey Garrison at X (formerly Twitter, @joeygarrison).
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