Biden urges temporary ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate delivery of humanitarian aid in new policy direction

President Joe Biden’s recent call for a six-to-eight-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to allow for humanitarian aid into Gaza has sparked a significant shift in US policy towards the conflict. In an interview with Univision, Mr. Biden urged Israel to prioritize the immediate needs of the people in Gaza by providing access to food and medicine without delay.

This change in stance comes after months of vocal support for Israel’s military actions against Hamas. However, recent events, including an Israeli airstrike that killed seven aid workers for World Central Kitchen in Gaza, have prompted Mr. Biden to reevaluate his position.

In addition to calling for a ceasefire, President Biden also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his handling of the conflict, calling it a “mistake.” He emphasized the need for concrete steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers in Gaza.

Furthermore, Mr. Biden signed a bill last month that halted funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, signaling a shift in US policy towards the region.

The President also expressed hope for the Republican-controlled House of Representatives to pass a national security supplemental bill that would provide military aid to Israel. However, internal dissent within the US State Department regarding the conflict in Gaza has raised concerns about the direction of US policy in the region.

Overall, President Biden’s call for a ceasefire and his criticism of Israeli actions mark a significant departure from previous US policy towards the Israel-Palestine conflict, signaling a potential shift in the approach to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.