Biden says he can support Gaza cease-fire only after all hostages released

By Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden on Monday called for the release of hostages held by Palestinian group Hamas before engaging in any discussions about the prospect of a cease-fire in Gaza.

"We should have those hostages released and then we can talk," Biden said during an event at the White House when asked by a reporter if he backs a ceasefire in exchange for the hostages.

Earlier, the State Department also reiterated its rejection of calls for a cease-fire in Gaza, arguing that such an action would afford Hamas an opportunity to regroup and prepare for further attacks against Israel.

"Any ceasefire will give the ability to rest, to refit, and to get ready to continue launching terrorist attacks against Israel," said Spokesman Matthew Miller said on Monday during a daily press briefing.

Last week, the US drew criticism for vetoing a UN Security Council resolution seeking "humanitarian pauses" in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict to deliver aid to Gaza.

In the early days of the conflict, Secretary of State Antony Blinken deleted a social media post in which he encouraged a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in their current conflict.

Miller defended the deletion of the X post, saying that the "tweet was unfortunately worded, did not capture that appropriately."