U.S. President Joe Biden Calls for “Pause” in Israel-Palestinian Conflict
MINNEAPOLIS, Nov 1 (Reuters) – U.S. President Joe Biden has called for a “pause” in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The president made the statement after a heckler confronted him during a campaign fundraiser, urging him to call for a ceasefire.
Biden was speaking to around 200 people when the heckler, who identified himself as a rabbi, shouted for the president to intervene and call for an immediate ceasefire. In response, Biden stated, “I think we need a pause. A pause means give time to get the prisoners out.”
Following the incident, the White House clarified that Biden was referring to the hostages held by Hamas after their attack on Israel on October 7. The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people and the capture of over 200 individuals.
Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas and has launched airstrikes and a ground offensive in Gaza in retaliation for the attacks. The White House has previously expressed support for a “humanitarian pause” to allow for aid deliveries to Gaza and the release of hostages.
Biden, who visited Israel last month and has shown support for the country, has recently shifted his response as the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens and civilian casualties increase. At a congressional hearing on Tuesday, protesters interrupted two of Biden’s top advisers, accusing American officials of supporting “genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza.
The heckler, identified as Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg, was escorted out by security while singing “ceasefire now.” Biden acknowledged the complexities of the conflict and expressed his support for a two-state solution. He also condemned Hamas as a “terrorist organization.”
According to the Gaza health ministry, at least 8,796 Palestinians, including 3,648 children, have been killed by Israeli strikes since October 7. The Hamas-run government reported that at least 195 Palestinians died in Israel’s recent attacks on the Jabalia refugee camp.
Reporting By Jarrett Renshaw and Andrea Shalal; Editing by Michael Perry.