Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2024

March 5, 2024

Israel-Hamas Conflict in Gaza, Palestinian Territories

Q. Mr. President, how close are we to the cease-fire?

The President. It's in the hands of Hamas right now. The Israelis have been cooperating.

There's an offer out there that's rational. We don't know what we'reâwe'll know in a couple days if it's going to happen. But we need the cease-fire.

Q. How close are weââ

Hostages Held by Hamas

Q. [Inaudible]âto the hostage deal?

The President. I was just saying that. The hostage deal is in the hands of Hamas right nowâ

â

Q. Okay.

The President. ââbecause there's been an offer, a rational offer. The Israelis have agreed to

it andâwaiting to see what theâHamas does.

Israel-Hamas Conflict in Gaza, Palestinian Territories

Q. Do you think there will be a deal by Ramadan?

The President. Well, Iâthere's got to be a cease-fire because Ramadanâif we get into a circumstance where this continues through Ramadan, Israel and Jerusalemâ[inaudible]âit could be very, very dangerous. So we're lookingâwe're trying hard for that cease-fire.

2024 Presidential Election

Q. Mr. President, what's your message to Democrats who are concerned about your poll numbers?

The President. My poll numbersâthe last five polls, you guys don't report, I'm winning.

Fiveâfive in a row. You guys only look at the New York Times. They're a great paper.

Israel-U.S. Relations/Humanitarian Assistance to Gaza

Q. Can you get the Israelis to allow more aid into Gaza?

The President. Pardon me?

Q. The Israelis, can youâare you pressuring them to get more aid into Gaza?

The President. I'm working with them very hard. We're going to get moreâwe must get more aid into Gaza. There's no excuses. None.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel

Q. And how is your relationship Netanyahu these days?

The President. Like it's always been.

Q. Sir?

The President. Like it's always been.

The President's State of the Union Address

Q. Mr. President, what are you preparing for your State of the Union Address?

The President. You'll hear me on Thursday. [Laughter] All right. Thank you all so very much.

Q. [Inaudible]âSuper Tuesday?

NOTE: The President spoke at approximately 12:05 p.m. on the tarmac at the Hagerstown Regional Airport prior to boarding Air Force One en route to Joint Base Andrews, MD.

Categories: Interviews With the News Media : Exchanges with reporters, Hagerstown, MD.

Subjects: 2024 Presidential election; Gaza, conflict with Israel; Gaza, hostages held by Hamas; Hamas political-paramilitary organization; Israel, military operations in Gaza; Maryland, President's visit; News media, Presidential interviews.

DCPD Number: DCPD202400164.