The News Freedom
Chandigarh, November 2
US President Joe Biden called for a “pause” in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza after he was confronted by a protester calling for a ceasefire at a campaign fundraiser, The Guardian reported. Biden was speaking to about 200 people when the protester shouted: “As a rabbi, I need you to call for a ceasefire right now.” Biden responded: “I think we need a pause. A pause means give time to get the prisoners out.” the newspaper report said.
The Guardian reports that the White House later clarified that Biden was referring to the hostages held by Hamas since its 7 October attack on Israel in which 1,400 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage. “ The White House has previously said it supports a “humanitarian pause” to allow aid deliveries to Gaza and the release of hostages. Biden has thrown his support behind Israel, but he has shifted his response in recent weeks as the humanitarian situation worsens in Gaza and the civilian death toll rises.” as per The Guardian report.
The president has faced intensifying pressure from human rights groups, fellow world leaders and even liberal members of his own Democratic Party, who say that the Israeli bombardment of Gaza is collective punishment and that it is time for a ceasefire. The difference between a ceasefire and pause may seem semantic, but a pause is generally considered less formal and shorter than a ceasefire, the report said.
The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says at least 8,796 Palestinians – including 3,648 children – have been killed by Israeli strikes since the start of the conflict, The Guardian reported.