US President Joe Biden Urges Temporary Halt to Israel-Gaza Conflict

In a campaign speech in Minneapolis, US President Joe Biden responded to a heckler’s call for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Biden stated that he believes a “pause” in the conflict would allow for the safe escape of hostages, as well as the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to the region. The president’s comments came as a relief to some, particularly those American citizens who were able to leave Gaza on Wednesday, with another group scheduled to depart on Thursday. However, the situation remains dire for many others, including the Okal family, who have been trapped in dangerous conditions in Gaza. The Canadian government has also expressed concern for its citizens trapped in the conflict zone, urging a peaceful resolution to the crisis. While the United Nations has called for a ceasefire to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, major Western powers, including the US, UK, Canada, and EU, have stopped short of making the same demand, citing concerns that it would favor Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. The issue has also become contentious in US politics, with House Speaker Mike Johnson firmly rejecting the idea of a ceasefire and insisting on providing support and aid to Israel instead. The House of Representatives is set to vote on an aid package for Israel, but Democrats oppose the bill due to accompanying cuts in funding for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The bill may face obstacles in the Senate, and President Biden has expressed a willingness to veto it if it includes cuts to the tax collection agency.