Biden: A Ceasefire in Gaza is Possible 'Tomorrow' if Hamas Releases Hostages

U.S. President Joe Biden stated on Saturday that if the extremist group Hamas releases Israeli hostages, a ceasefire in Gaza could be established as soon as 'tomorrow.' Biden, who was participating in a fundraising campaign for his election near Seattle, remarked, 'If Hamas releases the hostages, we can have a ceasefire tomorrow.' Speaking to an audience of about a hundred people, he added, 'Israel has said that [the issue of the ceasefire] depends on Hamas; if they want, we can end it tomorrow, and the ceasefire can start tomorrow.' These comments come after ceasefire negotiations in Gaza ended without results last Thursday. Meanwhile, the Israeli army issued an immediate evacuation order for several neighborhoods in Rafah, southern Gaza, urging residents to move towards the designated area of 'Al-Mawasi.' Reuters reports that evidence suggests the Israeli army continues its plans for a ground attack on Rafah. The Israeli army has also called for the evacuation of Jabalia in northern Gaza, claiming that Hamas is rebuilding in that area. The extremist group Hamas, which is considered terrorist by the U.S. and Europe, attacked Israeli territory on October 6 of last year, resulting in 1,200 deaths, and Palestinian groups took 250 individuals as hostages to Gaza during this operation. Since then, Israel has launched extensive military operations in Gaza to eliminate Hamas. According to Palestinian health authorities in Gaza, at least 35,000 people have been killed since the war began on October 6 of last year. In response to Israel's extensive evacuation orders in Rafah, Charles Michel, President of the European Council, criticized the actions on social media, stating that the order for the evacuation of Palestinian civilians trapped in Rafah is 'unacceptable.' He urged the Israeli government to respect international humanitarian law and refrain from ground operations in Rafah. Michel also called for the complete opening of crossings to Gaza to allow essential humanitarian aid to reach its residents. He emphasized that the EU's position is in favor of a two-state solution and that all efforts should continue towards achieving a sustainable ceasefire. Meanwhile, on Saturday, Egyptian state media reported that officials in Egypt refused to coordinate with Israel for the entry of aid into Gaza through the Rafah crossing due to what they called 'unacceptable escalation of tensions' by Israel. An Egyptian official stated that Egypt holds Israel responsible for the worsening situation in Gaza. On May 8, the Israeli army took control of the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza, which borders Egypt, by sending in tanks and infantry. Additionally, on Saturday, the Israeli army reported firing missiles in Rafah towards the Kerem Shalom crossing, which had been temporarily closed earlier in the week. According to the army, these attacks did not cause any damage or injuries.