President Joe Biden, during a fundraising stop in Seattle over the weekend, hinted at the possibility of a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Speaking at a private fundraiser hosted by former Microsoft President Jon Shirley, Biden suggested that a cease-fire could be achieved swiftly if Hamas released hostages, putting the ball in the militant group’s court.
The president’s remarks come amid escalating tensions in the region, with Israel preparing to expand its military operation deeper into Gaza, prompting new evacuation orders in the southern city of Rafah. Despite Biden’s suggestion of a potential path to peace, Israel has maintained that it is up to Hamas to initiate a cease-fire.
This was Biden’s second fundraising event in the Seattle area over the weekend, as he and Vice President Kamala Harris gear up for their reelection bid against presumptive Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump. At a reception in downtown Seattle on Friday, Biden highlighted his administration’s achievements in job creation and climate action while criticizing Trump as a threat to democracy.
However, Biden faced criticism from protesters gathered outside the venue for his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Some voiced dissatisfaction with Biden’s decision not to provide offensive weapons to Israel for its military operation in Rafah. The Biden administration’s acknowledgment on Friday of “reasonable” evidence of Israel breaching international law protecting civilians marked a significant shift in Washington’s stance on the matter.
During his Saturday speech at the fundraiser, Biden refrained from delving extensively into the conflict, instead focusing on warning against the potential consequences of a Trump victory in the upcoming election. He reiterated his commitment to leading the country into the future, contrasting his vision with what he described as Trump’s pursuit of revenge.
Looking ahead, Biden teased the possibility of a role for Washington Governor Jay Inslee in his second-term administration, praising Inslee’s leadership on environmental issues. The suggestion drew attention from attendees, including Senator Maria Cantwell, and U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier, Marilyn Strickland, Suzan DelBene, and Adam Smith, as well as major Democratic donors such as Microsoft President Brad Smith, Amazon General Counsel David Zapolsky, and former Costco CEO Jim Sinegal.
Despite the political engagements, Biden’s visit to Western Washington concluded without any public events. He departed from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Air Force One on Saturday afternoon, leaving behind discussions about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and speculation about the potential makeup of his future administration.
As tensions persist in the Israel-Hamas conflict and the Biden administration navigates its foreign policy approach, the president’s remarks in Seattle offer insight into the complexities of international relations and the challenges of brokering peace in the midst of conflict. With the situation in the Middle East evolving rapidly, all eyes remain on Washington for further developments and diplomatic efforts to bring about a resolution to the crisis.
