President Biden responds to Taoiseach's call for ceasefire in Gaza: 'I agree'

U.S. President Joe Biden and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar have agreed that a ceasefire and two-state solution are imperative to achieve peace in Gaza as the two leaders met in the White House's Oval Office for a St. Patrick's Day reception.

During his annual U.S. trip to mark St Patrick’s Day, the Taoiseach called on Biden: “I’m keen to talk about the situation in Gaza as well. You’ll know my view is that we need a ceasefire as soon as possible to get food and medicine in and to get hostages out.”

Biden responded in brief: “I agree.”

The United States has consistently vetoed resolutions at the United Nations Security Council demanding a ceasefire, but Biden’s rhetoric in more recent weeks has shifted towards necessitating a humanitarian ceasefire to provide aid and assistance in to Gaza and allow the release of hostages, with the U.S. seeking to negotiate.

During the Oval press briefing, Biden emphasized the strong bond between Ireland and the United States while commemorating the centennial milestone of their diplomatic ties.

Recalling the same sentiments of 'shared heritage' that encompassed his visit to Ireland last year, the American President said: “I know there are all kinds of old Irish sayings, but my grandfather Finegan used to say, may the hinge of our friendship never go rusty.”

Biden devoted greater attention on Ukraine, commending Varadkar for Ireland’s humanitarian assistance, adding that he has called on US Congress to pass legislation which would promise aid for Ukraine, but has caused weeks of political division.

Biden also expressed his approval to see the Northern Ireland Assembly running again, deeming it a 'very positive step forward.'

Today's discussion with Varadkar comes amid increasing pressure from international and national leaders for the Biden administration to condemn Israel and demand a ceasefire.

Biden said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's call on Thursday for new elections in Israel and harsh criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a hindrance to peace was a "good speech" but added that he would not elaborate further: “Senator Schumer contacted my staff, my senior staff, that he was going to make that speech. I’m not going to elaborate on his speech. He made a good speech, and I think he expressed a serious concern that’s shared not only by him but by many Americans."

The Taoiseach stated the four key issues he hoped to cover in his meeting with Biden. He dealt first with the resumption of the Northern Ireland Assembly and diplomatic relations between their countries, remarking that he was “very keen to talk about that and the strength of our economic relationship, which now increasingly goes both ways”.

After their meeting, Varadkar mentioned Biden's explicitness in stating the US' continued support for Israel will not waver.

He said he does not expect that position will change but added that “none of us like to see American weapons being used the way they are at the moment”.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar outlines what he spoke to US President Joe Biden about in his meeting in the Oval Office pic.twitter.com/ZyRalKJ5CI

— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) March 15, 2024

The decision for Varadkar to go ahead with his United States trip this year has been met with fierce criticism considering the United States'’ financial support for Israel’s military as it continues its wholesale destruction of Gaza, where over 31,000 people have been killed since October.