U.S. President Joe Biden announced early Friday (Thursday evening U.S. time) that his administration is making "progress" towards reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, following nine months of conflict that erupted after Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel. Biden stated during a press conference at the White House, following a NATO summit: "The United States has been working for months to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, bring the hostages home, and pave the way for peace and stability in the Middle East." He added: "These are difficult and complex issues. There are still gaps that need to be closed. We are making progress. The direction is positive, and I am determined to finalize this agreement and put an end to this war that must end now."
Biden continued, "There are many things I wish I could persuade the Israelis to do, but the bottom line is that we have an opportunity now. It is time to end this war." He recalled his meeting half a century ago when he was a young senator, with Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, acknowledging that the times have changed. Referring to Netanyahu's government, Biden said: "We have pressured them strongly, and Israel has at times been less than cooperative." He added: "This war government is one of the most hardline war governments in Israel's history, and there is no final solution other than a two-state solution here."
He noted that his country, a primary military supporter of Israel, will not send 2,000-pound (907 kilograms) bombs to the Israelis. He said, "I will not provide them with 2,000-pound bombs. They cannot be used in Gaza or any other populated area without causing humanitarian tragedy and damage." This comes as two Egyptian security sources told "Al Arabiya" and "Al Hadath" that talks regarding hostages and Israel's withdrawal from areas in Gaza are making progress. According to the sources, work is ongoing on security arrangements and guarantees for the ceasefire in Gaza. The sources pointed out that there are still disagreements over security arrangements at the crossings leading to Gaza, and discussions are ongoing regarding Hamas's demand for written guarantees for a permanent ceasefire.
