US President Joe Biden has made a plea for a six-to-eight-week ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, urging Israel to allow unrestricted access for food and medicine into the region. Speaking to Univision, a US Spanish-language TV network, Biden emphasized the need for immediate humanitarian relief, stating that neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt are ready to provide assistance.
In his interview, Biden expressed disagreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the situation, labeling it a mistake. The President’s remarks come in the wake of a deadly strike by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on a World Central Kitchen convoy.
While Biden’s statements were seen by some as a potential shift in US policy, the White House clarified that his comments were in reference to the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire brokered by the administration. These negotiations aim to secure the release of approximately 40 hostages over a period of six to eight weeks.
Hours before Biden’s interview aired, top aides emphasized that the onus for achieving a ceasefire lay with Hamas, urging the militant group to agree to the proposed ceasefire and release hostages. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized that Israel was ready to implement a ceasefire if Hamas reciprocated.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed similar sentiments, stating that Hamas had the opportunity to accept the ceasefire proposal, highlighting that the world is closely monitoring their response.
The latest developments come amidst increased aid efforts to Gaza and ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
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