Biden strikes a pessimistic note on Israel-Hamas cease-fire

FASANO, Italy — President Joe Biden on Thursday expressed doubts that a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas would soon come together, telling reporters that “Hamas needs to move.”

“No,” Biden responded when asked if he was confident a peace deal was imminent. But, he added, “I haven’t lost hope.”

The brief exchange followed a skydiving demonstration during the G7 summit here, where Biden has been meeting with fellow world leaders on a range of foreign policy and economic issues.

Biden later expanded on his concerns, saying the “biggest hang-up” is on Hamas’ side.

“Whether or not it comes to fruition remains to be seen,” he said at a press conference alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “We’re going to continue to push. I don’t have a final answer for you.”

And it came days after Hamas responded to an Israeli cease-fire proposal with a counteroffer of its own. The White House is still evaluating that offer, officials said, though they cautioned that it differs significantly in some aspects with Israel’s initial three-stage plan. Biden confirmed that he had discussed those Middle East negotiations with other G7 leaders during the summit, though did not offer details on those conversations.

The U.S has pitched Israel’s cease-fire plan as a reasonable pathway toward permanently ending the war, arguing it would immediately halt the fighting in Gaza and create a process for returning the hostages still held by Hamas.

“Some of those amendments are modest and minor,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said earlier Thursday. “Others are not consistent with what President Biden laid out.”

Sullivan added that the administration is still trying to find a path to a cease-fire agreement, but could not provide any timetable.

Biden confirmed that he had discussed those Middle East negotiations with other G7 leaders during the summit, but did not offer details on those conversations.