Biden Says Israel and Hamas Should ‘Pause’ for Hostage Release

President stops short of calling for full ceasefire in Gaza
Biden has come under fire from Muslims, progressives over war

Israeli army self-propelled artillery howitzers move in a convoy along a road by the border with the Gaza Strip on Nov. 1.Photographer: Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Jordan Fabian and Jenny Leonard

November 2, 2023 at 12:17 AM UTC

Updated on

November 2, 2023 at 1:33 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

President Joe Biden said Wednesday that Israel and Hamas militants ought to “pause” fighting in order to allow time to free hostages held in the Gaza Strip, but stopped short of supporting a full ceasefire.

Biden made the comments while replying to a protester during a political fundraiser in Minneapolis. The president had traveled to Minnesota to garner support for his economic policies and raise money for his reelection.