Biden calls for pause in Israel's war in Gaza to remove hostages

The president made the comment at a campaign event in response to a heckler's call for a cease-fire
Joe Biden, Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 18, 2023

President Biden on Wednesday evening called for a pause in Israel's war in Gaza.

The president made the comment at a campaign event in response to a heckler's call for a cease-fire.

"I think we need a pause," the president said. "A pause means give time to get the prisoners out."

The White House later clarified the comment, saying Biden meant getting out hostages held by Hamas and for humanitarian aid in Gaza, the Associated Press reports.

The heckler identified herself as rabbi Jessica Rosenberg. She was escorted from the event by security while singing “cease-fire now."

Israel declared war on Hamas on Oct. 7 after the Palestinian-militant group launched deadly terror strikes on Israel from Gaza.