U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to push for a cease-fire in Gaza on Friday during a meeting with key European leaders in Berlin, following Israel’s announcement of the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Biden arrived in Berlin Thursday night for talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Before his departure from Washington, Biden noted the possibility of a future in Gaza without Hamas, stating that it could lead to a political resolution benefiting both Israelis and Palestinians.
Israel holds Sinwar responsible for the deadly October 7 attacks, and Biden called his death a “good day,” claiming that Sinwar had been an obstacle to cease-fire negotiations and a hostage release deal.
German Chancellor Scholz, speaking from Brussels, confirmed Germany’s support for Biden’s cease-fire proposal, stating, “We fully support the proposal for what such a cease-fire could look like.”
Germany’s Foreign Ministry also released a statement calling for the immediate release of the hostages held by Hamas and urging the militant group to disarm, emphasizing the urgent need to end the suffering of civilians in Gaza.
Around 100 hostages, abducted on October 7, are still believed to be held in Gaza.
