The US leader's comments marked a subtle change in stance after Washington previously rejected "setting a red line for Israel".
President Joe Biden has expressed support for a humanitarian "pause" in Israel's war in Gaza as the United States pushes to evacuate all Americans trapped in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
“I think we need a break,” Biden said in his campaign speech Wednesday, after being interrupted by a protester calling for an immediate ceasefire. Asked what the pause meant, Biden said it was time to "get the prisoners out" — a reference to those detained by Hamas, the group that rules Gaza, the White House later clarified.
The US President's comments mark a change in stance for the White House, which previously said it would not dictate how Israel conducts its military operations.
“We are not drawing a red line for Israel,” White House spokesman John Kirby said last week.
“We will continue to support them. » On Friday, the United States was one of 14 United Nations nations to vote “no” on a General Assembly resolution calling for a “ceasefire.”
The United States is by far Israel's strongest ally, sending the country billions of dollars in aid each year. To support Israel's ongoing military offensive, Biden has asked Congress to approve a $14.3 billion military aid package to the country.
The cleric interrupted US President Joe Biden to request a ceasefire The pressure is increasing The US president faces increasing pressure from human rights activists, world leaders and even progressive members of his Democratic Party to rein in Israel's attacks. relentlessly into Gaza, killing at least 8,800 people, including 3,500 children.
He faced particular backlash from Arab Americans, a large group within the Democratic Party, because of his steadfast support for Israel during the war.
According to a survey by the Arab American Institute (AAI), Biden's approval rating has dropped to 17%. “It is extremely complicated for the Israelis,” Biden added in his speech. “It is also extremely complicated for the Muslim world… I have supported a two-state solution from the beginning. » American citizens leave Gaza Biden's latest move on a 'pause' in fighting comes as the US administration makes progress in ensuring a safe exit for its citizens trapped in Gaza and begins to talk about the future. the future of post-war Gaza. US citizens were among hundreds of foreigners who began leaving the besieged territory through Egypt's Rafah border crossing on Wednesday, part of an Egyptian-brokered deal to allow those injured and foreign nationals passed through safely. White House spokesman Kirby said Wednesday he hopes the United States will get all Americans out of Gaza in the coming days. About 400 American citizens in Gaza have told the State Department they want to leave the territory, and along with family members, American officials said they are trying to help about 1,000 people leave.
US President Joe Biden said he hoped some Americans would leave Gaza on Wednesday Biden's change in tone also comes amid a flurry of U.S. diplomatic moves in the region, including the confirmation of a new ambassador to Israel and Secretary of State Antony Blinken's upcoming trip to Jordan and Israel.
Kirby said Biden's new ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, will soon assume his post.
He will be responsible for “supporting United States efforts to facilitate a humanitarian pause to address the deteriorating humanitarian conditions facing Palestinian civilians.” Lew, during his Senate confirmation hearing, said that "the fight for Israel's security" was his main concern and that he would "ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself."
Blinken will visit Jordan and Israel on Friday with the aim of increasing humanitarian aid delivery and reducing the number of casualties.
“[Blinken] will reiterate U.S. support for Israel's right to self-defense under international humanitarian law and discuss the need to take every precaution to minimize casualties,” he said.