President Joe Biden and Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar have come together to express their support for a ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting the urgency of addressing the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. In a meeting held at the White House, both leaders emphasized the need for a two-state solution as fundamental to achieving lasting peace in the region. Varadkar also encouraged the U.S. to play a pivotal role in peacemaking efforts, drawing on historical parallels with Northern Ireland’s path to peace.

Varadkar advocated for immediate relief in Gaza, aiming to secure access to essential supplies and kickstart discussions for a sustainable peace plan. The Irish Taoiseach also suggested a reevaluation of U.S. military aid to Israel, in light of the continued violence. The discussions further ventured into other topical issues, including the resurgence of power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland and the economic relations between the U.S. and Ireland. Biden thanked Ireland for its support towards Ukraine amid Russian aggression, with Varadkar commending Vice President Kamala Harris for her stance on the Gaza ceasefire.

In a related development, Vice President Kamala Harris visited an abortion clinic in Minnesota, amidst discussions on her role in tackling sensitive issues. According to a USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll, Harris’s approval rating stands at 36%. Despite concerns over her performance and President Biden’s age, Harris has emerged as a credible figure on abortion rights, more so than Biden, especially among key Democratic demographics.

Simultaneously, the United States has introduced a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council proposing an “immediate and sustained ceasefire” in the Israel-Hamas conflict. This initiative follows a previous U.S. veto of a similar resolution. The draft underlines the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to forge a lasting peace and facilitate humanitarian aid in the region. It condemns both the Israeli offensive in Rafah, which has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties, and Hamas’ attacks on Israel, while calling for the protection of civilians and the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

The White House and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have voiced their concerns over the conduct of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and indicated a potential shift in U.S. policy towards Israel. These moves underscore the heightened international pressure to address the crisis in Gaza, as the global community seeks a ceasefire and a pathway to peace.