Biden expressed skepticism on Friday about the possibility of securing a ceasefire in Gaza before the start of Ramadan, acknowledging the challenging circumstances surrounding ongoing efforts to halt the conflict.
"It's looking tough," Biden remarked to reporters when asked if a ceasefire agreement could be reached by the start of Ramadan, which is expected to commence imminently depending on the sighting of the moon.
Biden, often criticized by protesters as "Genocide Joe" for his administration's support of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, reiterated concerns about potential violence in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem as Ramadan approaches.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas's armed wing called for supporters to mobilize toward the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in East Jerusalem. Hamas maintained its demand for Israel to withdraw from Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages.
The Biden administration has faced increasing pressure to cease arms support for Israel since the commencement of its military offensive in Gaza last October. Despite calls for intervention, Washington has continued to facilitate emergency weapons sales to Israel, bypassing congressional approval.
Protests erupted across the United States following Biden's State of the Union address, with demonstrators demanding an end to US funding of Israel's actions in Gaza. Protesters gathered near the Capitol, expressing discontent with Biden's stance on the conflict and chanting slogans against the ongoing violence.
