US President Biden says “yes” to ‘humanitarian ceasefire progress’ question.

On May 4th, President Joe Biden suggested that progress has been made in discussions for a temporary ceasefire for humanitarian purposes related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

According to the White House press corps, when asked by reporters waiting after a mass he attended in a Delaware church about progress in humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, President Biden responded “Yes” and gave a thumbs up.

This response from President Biden is noteworthy as it comes after a de facto rejection from the Israeli side following discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken the day before.

Secretary Blinken proposed a temporary ceasefire for humanitarian purposes, including the release of hostages, during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on May 3rd.

However, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated after the meeting, “We reject a temporary ceasefire plan that does not include the release of hostages.”