In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, United States President Joe Biden has expressed optimism about the possibility of extending the four-day pause in the war. The war, which began on October 7 after a surprise Hamas attack inside Israel, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. President Biden, while refusing to speculate on the duration of the conflict, emphasized the importance of pressure from the Arab world and the region to bring about a swift resolution.
While reiterating his support for Israel, President Biden stressed the need to limit civilian casualties and encouraged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exercise restraint. He emphasized that Israel’s mission to “eliminate” Hamas remains legitimate. However, he also expressed hope that the release of captives, a key component of the truce, would lead to a de-escalation of the conflict.
Under the terms of the truce, which came into effect early on Friday, 50 women and children held in Gaza are set to be released over four days, in exchange for 150 Palestinian women and children imprisoned in Israeli jails. The first batch of captives was released on Friday, with more expected to be released in the coming days. President Biden hailed this development as a positive step, while acknowledging that it is only the beginning.
Both Israel and Hamas have pledged to continue fighting, but Israel has signaled its openness to extending the truce if more captives are released at a rate of 10 per day. President Biden expressed his hope that this exchange would take place, facilitating further progress towards peace.
The truce has also allowed for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, which has been under siege. Around 200 trucks carrying essential supplies entered the enclave on Friday, with additional deliveries arriving on Saturday. However, the level of destruction in Gaza remains high, with the United Nations confirming that Israel intensified its attacks before the truce took effect.
As the conflict continues, the international community, including the United States, is closely monitoring the situation. President Biden’s statement reflects the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Gaza conflict. The release of captives and the provision of humanitarian aid are seen as critical steps towards de-escalation and the eventual establishment of lasting peace in the region.
