Biden’s comments on a cease-fire were open-ended, and similar to previous administration statements of support in principle for a cease-fire. An administration official familiar with the call said the decision to express support and not explicitly demand a cease-fire was intentional. That shift carries risks, including weathering flaring violence as the United States steps back from hotspots. “Ultimately it is up to the parties to make clear that they want to pursue a cease-fire,” Blinken said. But Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky, took the Senate floor on Monday to assail lawmakers for including Israel in their demands for a cease-fire.

Source: Manila Times May 18, 2021 04:18 UTC