Alexei Pushkov, chair of the Federation Council Commission on Information Policy and Interaction with the Media, asserts that a wide majority of Americans back a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. He pointed out that the White House did not heed the sentiment that could influence the 2024 US elections against President Joe Biden.
“Given the volatile mood in the United States during the pre-election period, the Biden administration may find itself challenged by its stance on Ukraine and Gaza, a stance that clashes with the feelings of large and diverse American audiences,” Pushkov wrote.
He also noted that MSNBC’s recent survey showed about two-thirds of Americans, roughly 66 percent, favor a ceasefire in Gaza. The administration, according to Pushkov, has shown resistance to an end to hostilities even in such circumstances.
On October 7, Hamas launched thousands of rockets into Israel and declared the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Thousands of militants crossed into Israeli territory, seizing military assets and taking more than a hundred hostages. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel was at war.
The Israel Defense Forces named its response operation Iron Swords. One aim was to dismantle Hamas. Israeli airstrikes hit hundreds of militant targets in the Gaza Strip, and Israel’s National Security Council decided to cut off water, food, goods, electricity, and fuel to the region. On October 13, Israel informed the United Nations that 1.1 million Palestinians would be evacuated to southern Gaza ahead of a potential ground operation.
Previously, Iran described the conflict as a clash of good against evil in the Middle East. Observers in North America note that the unfolding events continue to shape regional dynamics and influence international diplomacy, as well as humanitarian considerations that resonate with audiences across Canada and the United States.