President Joe Biden articulated his aspiration for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip by March 4, a timeline discussed within White House circles and reported by pool coverage from RIA News. The President indicated that the assessment from national security adviser Jake Sullivan suggested progress toward peace, which shaped Biden’s expectation of a ceasefire by the upcoming Monday, March 4. [Citation: White House pool reporting, RIA News]
Earlier reports noted that Israeli air operations had intensified in several Palestinian urban areas within the Gaza Strip, with Rafah, near the Egyptian border, among the cities affected. The renewed bombardment marked a phase of escalation that drew international attention and concern from regional observers. [Citation: Independent contemporaneous coverage]
There were earlier indications from Israeli officials that steps might be taken to allow Palestinians to depart Rafah before the onset of any military operations, with moves contemplated to enable relocation to southern portions of the Gaza Strip. Such discussions highlighted the volatility of the situation and the ongoing negotiations about civilian movement and safety. [Citation: Diplomatic briefings]
In parallel, several Hollywood figures had previously urged an immediate halt to violence in both Israel and Gaza, a stance that Biden publicly underscored as part of the broader call for a ceasefire and reduced civilian harm. [Citation: Public statements and advocacy coverage]