President Biden had a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Friday. During the meeting, Varadkar expressed his belief that there should be an immediate halt to the fighting between Israel and Hamas.
Varadkar expressed his eagerness to discuss the conflict in Gaza with Biden, as they gathered at the White House to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day.
Varadkar stated, “You know, my – my view that we need to have a cease-fire as soon as possible to get food and medicine in, to get the hostages out.”
Biden interrupted, agreeing with the sentiment.
The Prime Minister continued, stating the need for discussions on how to achieve the cease-fire and progress towards a two-state solution, which he believes is the only path to lasting peace and security.
“I agree,” Biden responded.
Both leaders have been under growing pressure from their respective countries to push for Israel to agree to a cease-fire, enabling the release of hostages from Hamas’ control and facilitating crucial humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians in Gaza.
After Biden’s recent State of the Union address, he was overheard in a private conversation with Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), discussing the need to maintain pressure on Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in light of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Biden conveyed to Bennet that he intended to have a serious discussion with Netanyahu about the issue. This comes as the president has become increasingly vocal in expressing his frustrations with Netanyahu, particularly as Israel plans to invade the city of Rafah, where over a million civilians sought refuge at the onset of the war.
In recent weeks, Biden announced that the U.S. and its allies would commence air dropping humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. He also mentioned plans for the military to construct
a temporary pier close to the territory for additional supply deliveries. Prominent Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), have called for new elections in Israel and criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict with Hamas. Biden acknowledged being aware of Schumer’s stance and expressed agreement, stating it was
“a good speech,” and believed many Americans shared the senator’s concerns. President Biden had a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Friday. During the meeting, Varadkar expressed his belief that there should be an immediate halt to the fighting between Israel and Hamas. Varadkar expressed his eagerness to discuss the conflict in Gaza with Biden, as they met at the White House to commemorate St.…
