Biden, "Welcomes Ceasefire Between Israel and Palestine... Opportunity for Progress"

"Both Lee and Pal Must Enjoy Freedom and Prosperity"
Overcoming the Biggest Crisis in Early Administration's Foreign Policy

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas, emphasizing that the U.S. government will continue to provide humanitarian aid. The Biden administration is being praised for overcoming a major crisis that could have shaken its entire foreign policy early in its term.

According to foreign media including the AP on the 20th (local time), President Biden delivered a speech at the White House Cross Hall in the afternoon regarding the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. In the speech, President Biden praised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the decision to end nearly 11 days of hostilities, stating, "I believe we have a genuine opportunity to make progress," expressing his welcome.

He also pledged humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip in Palestine. President Biden said, "I believe that the Palestinian and Israeli people equally deserve to live safely and securely, enjoying equal freedom, prosperity, and democracy," adding, "My administration will continue quiet and persistent diplomacy toward that goal." He further stated, "The United States will cooperate with the United Nations and other international stakeholders to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza," and "We plan to cooperate in a way that does not allow Hamas to replenish its military supplies."

President Biden also expressed gratitude, saying, "The Egyptian government played a crucial role in mediating the ceasefire," and emphasized that he and senior White House advisors were involved in efforts to prevent bloodshed at every moment.

Within the United States, the ceasefire agreement is seen as the Biden administration overcoming a major crisis early in its term. According to CNN, "President Biden grew increasingly impatient during his calls with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and began demanding a ceasefire in a direct, frank, and strong tone," revealing the significant pressure the Biden administration faced due to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The Biden administration faced growing criticism from the international community for being biased toward Israel during this conflict, which worsened public opinion both externally and domestically. Progressive lawmakers within the Democratic Party have been at the forefront of pressuring for a ceasefire. This raised concerns that the basic diplomatic direction, centered on an exit strategy in the Middle East, could be shaken.

Since taking office, President Biden has set the foundation of his foreign policy focusing on an exit strategy in the Middle East and containing China in East Asia, which has led to criticism that Middle East policy has been overly neglected. The ambassador to Israel has also yet to be appointed.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.