By Katelyn Caralle, senior US political reporter
President Joe Biden announced Wednesday morning that the U.S. is joining Middle Eastern countries in once again working toward a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas terrorists.
It comes just hours after Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire, ending 14 months of fighting between the Jewish state and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
“In the coming days, the United States will renew pressure with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and others to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that will release the hostages and end the war without Hamas is in power,” Biden wrote on X. the day before Thanksgiving.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas terrorists operating from the Palestinian enclave of Gaza has lasted for more than a year, despite repeated attempts by world allies to reach an end to the war.
The Biden administration hopes the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel will pave the way for a bigger deal before Donald Trump takes office in January.
A senior official told Politico: “No one has any idea what will happen after January 20, so I think the time is right. The combination of Biden’s departure, Trump’s arrival and the peace agreement with Lebanon – this is a golden opportunity and we should not miss it.’
Lebanese return to their homes after a ceasefire deal with Israel