Biden Calls for ‘Humanitarian Pause’ In Israel-Hamas Conflict

President Joe Biden called for a humanitarian "pause" in Gaza on Wednesday to help facilitate the release of hostages and the entry of aid for the Palestinian people.

Key Quotes: “I think we need a pause,” Biden stated following a campaign speech on Wednesday. Earlier this week, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the new American ambassador to Israel is tasked with “supporting U.S. efforts to create the conditions for a humanitarian pause to address the worsening humanitarian conditions facing Palestinian civilians.”

“Very Good Thing”: David Rothkoph (Lean Left bias) supported calls for a ceasefire, stating, “Let Israel pursue the destruction of Hamas in the way such efforts are historically best achieved—via covert operations, special operations, targeted destruction of weapons supplies, closing off financial support, sanctioning the sponsors of the terrorists.” Rothkoph expects that Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will suffer a fallout from Biden’s call for restraint, but determines that “if it comes because Netanyahu cannot be steered away from his current path, that is a necessary and very good thing.”

“Music to Hamas’ Ears”: A writer for Townhall (Right bias) called Biden’s call for a humanitarian pause “music to Hamas’ ears,” and attributed the decision to political pressure on Biden to appeal to “pro-terrorist or terrorist-sympathizing voters.” The writer concludes, “Let Israel do its job in eradicating Hamas. It’s not the time for academic exercises. It’s war—and we need to let Israel time to kill the terrorists.”