Joe Biden says recognition of Israel by Saudi Arabia, other states tied to Gaza ceasefire

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday disclosed that a halt in the Israeli military activities in besieged Gaza during Ramazan would provide them with an opportunity to move in a direction where Saudi Arabia and other states would be prepared to recognise Israel.

"First of all the hostages being held must be released. Ramadan's coming up and there's been an agreement by the Israelis that they would not engage in activities during Ramadan to give us time to get all the hostages out. It gives us time to begin to move in directions that a lot of Arab countries are prepared to move in for example Saudi Arabia is ready to recognise Israel, Jordan is, and Egypt and six other countries," Biden said talking to comedian Seth Meyers in his late-night show. 

He added: “I get criticised for having said a long time ago, you need not be a Jew to be a Zionist. I’m a Zionist.” Biden has repeated this statement throughout his career to reaffirm his support for Israel.

At least 29,878 individuals have died in Palestinian territory as a result of Israeli airstrikes, according to a statement released by the health ministry in Gaza on Tuesday.

According to a ministry statement, the fighting started on October 7 and has resulted in 70,215 injuries and at least 96 deaths in the last 24 hours.