Amid new evacuation orders in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, President Joe Biden said Saturday that a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war could be possible “tomorrow” if the militant group releases its hostages. Stated.
“Israel says it’s up to Hamas,” he said at a private fundraiser in Medina hosted by former Microsoft president John Shirley. “If they wanted to, they could finish it tomorrow.”
Biden will be in the Seattle area for the second time this weekend as part of a West Coast fundraiser as he and Vice President Kamala Harris prepare for re-election against former President Donald Trump, the sure-fire Republican nominee. I stopped by a fundraiser.
At a reception in downtown Seattle on Friday, Biden touted his administration’s record on jobs and climate and accused Donald Trump of being a threat to democracy.
Although he made no mention of war in Friday’s speech at Seattle’s Lotte Hotel, demonstrators gathered outside criticized the president for supporting Israel’s war against Hamas.
Some say Biden’s decision last week not to provide offensive weapons to Israel for Rafah was too little, too late. The administration said Friday there was “reasonable” evidence that Israel had violated international law protecting civilians. This is the US government’s strongest statement yet on this issue.
Tens of thousands more people were told to evacuate Saturday as Israel prepares to expand military operations deep into what is considered the last refuge in Gaza, the Associated Press reported.
Biden’s remarks Saturday were limited.
“I don’t think I should be involved in all this,” he said.
Instead, he continued his 16-minute speech, repeating warnings about the consequences if Trump wins this fall.
“Folks, Trump is out for revenge,” Biden said. “Running to lead us into the future.”
Looking ahead, Biden again teased the possibility of a post in Gov. Jay Inslee’s second-term administration, calling the outgoing governor “the best governor in the country on the environment and the best governor overall.” “One of the best,” he praised.
“I warn you guys, if you want to see him around Washington state, don’t elect me. I’m going to try to catch it.”
In attendance were Sen. Maria Cantwell, Rep. Kim Schrier, Rep. Marilyn Strickland, and Rep. Susan DelBene. Adam Smith, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Chairman Steve Edwards, Microsoft President Brad Smith, Amazon General Counsel David Zapolsky, and former Costco CEO Jim Major donors to the Democratic Party, including Mr. Sinegal.
Biden held no public events during his visit to Western Washington. He departed Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Air Force One Saturday afternoon.
Seattle Times political reporter Jim Brunner contributed to this article, which also includes material from The Associated Press.
