US President Joe Biden has acknowledged that ending the conflict in the Middle East remains a challenging task, even after the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Biden emphasized that Sinwar's death alone would not immediately resolve the situation, but expressed optimism about the potential for progress.
During meetings in Berlin with the leaders of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, Biden highlighted the complexities involved in achieving peace in the region. He stated, 'We think there's a road to peace there. It's going to be harder. It's going to be difficult. But we're all on the same page.'
Biden also discussed the possibility of addressing the conflict between Israel and Iran in a manner that could lead to a temporary resolution. He mentioned the potential for working towards a ceasefire in Lebanon, while acknowledging the challenges in Gaza.
When asked about Israel's response to Iran's recent missile attack, Biden confirmed that he had a good understanding of the situation. Following his meetings in Europe, Biden is set to convene with his national security team aboard Air Force One to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan will join Biden for these discussions. Blinken is expected to travel to the region early next week to further engage with the situation. The Biden administration has prioritized efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Biden has directed his team to maintain close communication with Israeli officials in the aftermath of Sinwar's death. He is also scheduled to hold another call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the near future.
