WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden has expressed skepticism regarding the possibility of a ceasefire in war-torn Gaza by Monday, citing complications arising from Thursday’s Israeli shootings at an aid distribution point that resulted in at least 112 Palestinian civilians’ deaths.
Biden’s remarks come amid escalating violence in the Gaza Strip, with the latest incident involving Israeli forces firing upon Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid in northern Gaza. According to figures from the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 112 Palestinians have been killed and 760 wounded in the attack.
Addressing reporters, President Biden acknowledged the challenges posed by the attack on aid seekers, stating that it would likely hinder efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas.
The president noted discrepancies in accounts of the incident, indicating that there are “two competing versions of what happened.” He emphasized that the United States is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Eyewitness reports suggest that Israeli forces initiated the violence by opening fire on a crowd gathered to receive food aid.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been exacerbated by Israel’s longstanding restrictions on food assistance, particularly in northern Gaza. The recent attack has further strained efforts to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict.
While Biden expressed hope for a ceasefire, he tempered expectations by suggesting that a pause in the fighting is unlikely to materialize by the previously anticipated deadline of Monday.
