Biden retracts Gaza ceasefire statement
OAN’s Brooke Mallory
1:59 PM – Thursday, February 29, 2024
A ceasefire deal in the Israel-Hamas conflict will “most likely” not be reached by Monday, as President Joe Biden expressed doubts about it on Thursday even though he recently asserted that a deal would be agreed upon by the beginning of next week.
“Hope springs eternal,” Biden told reporters when asked if he still expected an agreement by Monday. “I was on the telephone with the people in the region,” he continued, adding: “Probably not by Monday, but I’m hopeful.”
In order to address hostage negotiations and the general situation in Gaza, Biden had separate discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Thursday morning.
The White House stated that Hamas should free all of its hostages, emphasizing that doing so “would result in an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza over a period of at least six weeks.”
“They exchanged views on how such a prolonged period of calm could then be built into something more enduring,” the White House said. “They also discussed planning to surge humanitarian assistance into Gaza and how the ceasefire under the hostage deal would further help enable those efforts and ensure that assistance reached civilians in need throughout Gaza.”
Earlier this week, while visiting New York, Biden told reporters, “My national security adviser tells me that we’re close—close but not done yet.”
When asked if that was still the expectation during a press briefing at the White House on Wednesday, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, vaguely responded that the government is “working around the clock to get that done.” According to her, an agreement would allow for the delivery of further humanitarian supplies to Gaza as well as the release of American prisoners so they could go back to the U.S. and their families.
This week, Qatar has mediated talks between Israel and Hamas. In addition, discussions concerning a “possible” future cease-fire have taken place in Paris with officials from the United States, Israel, Qatar, and Egypt.
A large gathering of people waiting for humanitarian relief vehicles on Thursday added to the chaos in the Gaza Strip. Dr. Ashraf Al-Qudra, a representative for the Palestinian Health Ministry, which is controlled by Hamas, stated that at least 100 people had died and several others had been injured.
However, the IDF also posted about the incident.
A representative for Biden’s National Security Council responded to the incident on Thursday by stating that the White House is investigating the reports.
“We mourn the loss of innocent life and recognize the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where innocent Palestinians are just trying to feed their families,” the spokesperson said. “This underscores the importance of expanding and sustaining the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, including through a potential temporary cease-fire. We continue to work day and night to achieve that outcome.”
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What are the key challenges and obstacles in reaching a ceasefire agreement and delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza
S deeply concerned about the reports of individuals being injured and killed during the chaos in the Gaza Strip. They stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of civilians and called for calm and restraint.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has been a cause for concern internationally, with many countries and organizations calling for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution. President Joe Biden has been actively involved in efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and address the situation in Gaza.
In his recent discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, President Biden emphasized the need for Hamas to free all of its hostages. The White House stated that such an action would result in an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza for a period of at least six weeks.
The discussions also focused on how a prolonged period of calm could be built into something more enduring, as well as the planning to surge humanitarian assistance into Gaza. The goal is to ensure that assistance reaches civilians in need throughout the region.
However, the road to a ceasefire has not been without challenges. President Biden expressed doubts about reaching an agreement by Monday, but he remains hopeful. The White House is working tirelessly to facilitate an agreement that would allow for the delivery of humanitarian supplies to Gaza and the release of American prisoners.
Mediation talks have been ongoing, with Qatar playing a key role in facilitating discussions between Israel and Hamas. Additionally, officials from the United States, Israel, Qatar, and Egypt have held discussions in Paris regarding a possible future ceasefire.
Amidst the negotiations and efforts for peace, the chaos in Gaza continues to escalate. A large gathering of people waiting for humanitarian relief vehicles turned tragic, leading to the death and injury of numerous individuals. The incident was condemned by both the Palestinian Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The White House expressed deep concern about the reports and stressed the importance of protecting civilians.
The situation in the Israel-Hamas conflict remains complex and challenging, but international efforts continue to seek a peaceful resolution. President Biden and his administration are dedicated to working towards a ceasefire and bringing about stability in the region. It is hoped that all parties involved will prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians and work towards a lasting peace.
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