The Biden administration has reacted positively to the news of the temporary cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, and the release of hostages by Israeli forces.
The agreement, which was reached between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, will begin on Friday and end 72 hours after it takes effect. The cease-fire comes after 11 days of intensified fighting between Israel and Hamas in which over 250 people have been killed, including more than 200 Palestinians.
In a statement, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said: “The United States welcomes the agreement in principle between Israel and Hamas which includes a mutually agreed upon, unconditional mutual humanitarian cease-fire.”
Sullivan expressed appreciation for the efforts of Egypt in helping broker the agreement. He also thanked the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, for his efforts in mediating the talks.
Sullivan also noted that President Biden “has been clear throughout this conflict about the need to restore calm and for de-escalation. This cease-fire is an important step in that direction and part of the broader effort to address the underlying causes of the conflict.”
The Biden administration also welcomed the news of the release of two Israeli hostages who had been held by Hamas since 2011. The release of the two men was part of the cease-fire agreement. Sullivan said that the administration was “pleased” and “grateful for the safe and immediate release of the two Israeli hostages and share in their families’ joy.”
The cease-fire agreement does not address the longer-term issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, such as the question of borders, the status of Jerusalem, and the future of Palestinian refugees. The Biden administration has said that it will continue to work with partners in the region and at the United Nations to promote a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.
The temporary cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas is an important first step towards restoring calm in the region and addressing the underlying causes of the conflict. The Biden administration has responded favorably to the agreement and has pledged to continue to work with partners to achieve a lasting peace.