Biden assured that he is working on an agreement to free the hostages in Gaza for at least six weeks

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President Biden Working on Agreement for Hostage Exchange in Gaza Strip

President Joe Biden announced on Monday that the United States is actively working on an agreement for a hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The goal is to bring about a period of “immediate common good” for the Palestinians.

“The United States is working on a hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas, which would bring an immediate and sustained period of common good to Gaza for at least six weeks,” stated Biden during a press conference at the White House alongside Jordan’s king, Abdullah II.

Biden emphasized that the six-week period would aim to “build something more lasting.” The president also revealed that the United States has been engaging in talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as leaders from Egypt and Qatar, to advance the agreement.

Additionally, Biden expressed concerns about Israel’s plans for a military operation in the Palestinian enclave of Rafah, stressing the need for a credible plan to ensure the safety of over a million refugees in the area.

The president acknowledged the immense suffering and loss experienced by the Palestinian people, particularly innocent civilians and children, since the outbreak of the conflict.

Meanwhile, King Abdullah II of Jordan visited the White House for the first time since the beginning of the Israeli offensive in Gaza and the attack on January 28 in which three American soldiers died in Jordanian territory. The meeting aimed to address the current situation in Gaza and work towards achieving a lasting end to the crisis.

Biden’s leadership in addressing the conflict was praised by the Jordanian king, who highlighted the urgent need for international support for an immediate ceasefire and a political solution to end the conflict.

The United States has been conducting shuttle diplomacy and phone conversations to reach a deal, and there is now a basic framework for an agreement. The Israeli military pressure on Hamas in Khan Younis has also contributed to bringing the militant group closer to accepting a deal, according to a senior U.S. administration official.

Biden’s approach represents a shift in the administration’s stance against a permanent ceasefire, with a continued emphasis on ensuring that Hamas does not retain political or military control over Gaza after the war.

The president’s efforts align with the growing international concern over the conflict, aiming to promote peace and stability in the region.