From the Liveblog of
Friday, March 15, 2024
Biden, Irish PM talk Gaza ceasefire in St. Patrick’s Day event
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US President Joe Biden and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar pledge to work to secure a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza cast a shadow on the annual St. Patrick’s Day reception at the White House.
“We both know a lot more has to be done,” Biden says about the situation in Gaza ahead of the bilateral meeting with Varadkar.
The Irish leader, after talking about the strong cultural and economic ties between the two countries, said he would like to see a ceasefire in fighting as soon as possible, and that the two leaders will discuss ways to make that happen.
Earlier, Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan hosted a breakfast during which Varadkar commended Harris on her recent remarks in support of an immediate six-week ceasefire.
“Like you, we call for the unconditional and immediate release of all of the hostages, a very significant increase in humanitarian aid, food, medicine, sanitation, electricity, and an end to the fighting by both sides, Israel and Hamas,” Varadkar says. “And we support the work of the United States.”
Biden, who often speaks of his Irish heritage and is fond of quoting Irish poets, visited Ireland last April to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and expressed his support for the peace deal.
The US president is also expected to speak at the Friends of Ireland Luncheon at the US Capitol hosted by House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican. Biden and Johnson have publicly sparred over funding for Ukraine and Israel and the event will offer a rare occasion for the two to demonstrate they can find common ground.
“I am urging our Congress to do its part,” Biden says on Friday regarding stalled legislation to provide aid to Ukraine and Gaza.
The Times of Israel Community.