Exploring Ways to End the Gaza War and Free Hostages; Biden and King Abdullah Meet in Washington

On Monday, February 12, U.S. President Joe Biden and King Abdullah II of Jordan met to find a solution to end the Gaza war, achieve a lasting ceasefire, and secure the release of Israeli hostages. After the meeting, Biden stated in a joint press conference with King Abdullah at the White House that 'key principles for an agreement between Israel and Hamas have been established. There are still some disagreements, but I encourage Israeli leaders to continue working towards an agreement. The United States will do everything in its power to make this happen.' He did not provide further details on these 'disagreements,' but emphasized that the U.S. is working towards a 'minimum six-week' ceasefire in Gaza, which is part of a broader agreement that includes the release of hostages. The U.S. President also commented on Israel's planned operations in Rafah in southern Gaza, stating, 'This operation should not proceed without a reliable plan to protect civilians.' Biden reiterated the U.S. opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians, noting, 'The U.S. is working to ensure that the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings remain open for humanitarian aid and that more crossings are opened. Many people in Rafah have been displaced, repeatedly fleeing north from violence, and are now besieged in Rafah, exposed to danger without any defense. Their security must be ensured.' King Abdullah of Jordan, during the press conference, called for a complete ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, stating, 'We cannot stand by and allow this situation to continue. We need a permanent ceasefire now. This war must end.' The Jordanian king condemned the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel, adding, 'No Muslim agrees with the killing of women, children, and civilians, including in the October 7 attack.' He referred to Biden as his 'dear friend' and emphasized that the leadership role of the U.S. and the Biden administration is crucial in resolving this conflict. The British Foreign Secretary stated that Israel's battle in Rafah must be halted, opposing U.S. support for Israel's actions in Rafah without considering the conditions of Gaza's civilians. King Abdullah traveled to Washington to discuss Israel's operations in Rafah. Netanyahu stated that the rescue of two hostages showed that pressure must continue, as Israeli airstrikes in Rafah continue. The Israeli army announced the release of two Hamas hostages during a military operation in Rafah. The Israeli army began its assault on Rafah, with at least ten casualties reported in the early hours. Israel claimed that a Palestinian journalist from Al Jazeera is a 'member of Hamas's anti-tank missile unit.'