The United States is working to reach a six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and to release more hostages from the Gaza Strip. This was stated by US President Joe Biden on Monday evening after his meeting with Jordanian King Abdullah II. According to Biden, the cessation of fighting will last “at least six weeks”:We can use this time to build something that will last longer.
In an attempt to advance the deal, the United States is in contact with Israel, Egypt, and Qatar. “We will do everything in our power to achieve this,” the US President said, and again spoke in favor of “permanent peace with a two-state solution.”
Biden also spoke about the situation in Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, near the border with Egypt and the last refuge for Palestinian civilians. “The major military operation in Rafah cannot continue without a credible plan to ensure the safety and support of more than a million people taking refuge there. We oppose forced transfer from the Gaza Strip.”
Abdullah said earlier, “We cannot tolerate an Israeli attack on Rafah” because it will lead to “another humanitarian catastrophe.”
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