Joe Biden discusses Gaza on 'Late night with Seth Meyers', says potential ceasefire during Ramadan hinges on hostage release

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY: President Joe Biden announced on February 27th that there is a viable 'way forward' for peace between Israel and Palestinian territories, emphasizing the initial step of freeing hostages held by Hamas.

During a rare television interview with late-night host Seth Meyers, Biden, 81, acknowledged the 'there is a path forward, with difficulty', yet remained optimistic about progress.

Biden made his appearance on the show coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the NBC comedy show and Actress Amy Poehler joined him on the program, extending a warm welcome to the set. 

President Biden announces Israeli ceasefire conditional on hostage release

The President disclosed that the Israeli government has consented to a ceasefire during the upcoming Muslim Holy month of Ramadan, commencing on February 2.

However, he emphasized that this commitment hinges on the release of remaining hostages held captive in Gaza by the group responsible for the deadly massacre in Israel last October.

"First of all … the hostages being held must be released", Biden asserted. "Ramadan’s coming up and there has been an agreement by the Israelis that they would not engage in activities during Ramadan as well, in order to give us time to get all the hostages out".

Biden proposed that an extended cease-fire might encourage several Arab nations to officially acknowledge Israel, initiating the progression towards a two-state solution.

“They also have to take advantage of the opportunity to have peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians, who are being used as pawns by Hamas,” Biden remarked regarding the Israeli government.

“I think if we get that temporary cease-fire, we’re going to be able to move in a direction where we can change the dynamic and have a two state solution – not immediately – but a process to get to a two state solution,” he added.

The president also mentioned that he perceives a "slowdown" in Israel's bombardment of Gaza and indicated that Israel has "made a commitment to me, they’re going to seek to evacuate significant portions of Rafah before they’re going to take out the remainder of Hamas".

Joe Biden addresses age concerns on campaign trail

At one juncture, Meyers queried Biden about addressing voter concerns regarding his age on the campaign trail, particularly in light of special counsel Robert Hur's critical report on his handling of classified documents.

Hur, the Republican US attorney, concluded that the president should not face criminal charges partly due to concerns that a jury might perceive him as an "elderly man with a poor memory."

In response, Biden pointed out, "Take a look at the other guy, he's about as old as I am," alluding to former President Donald Trump, who is four years younger than him.

"It's about how old your ideas are," he added. "Look, I mean, this is a guy who wants to take us back."

Biden also took a moment during the interview to reminisce about his guest appearance on "Parks and Rec," sharing with Poehler, the star of the NBC TV show, that he "bragged about that for a long, long time."

As Meyers raised the issue of the 'Dark Brandon' memes, commonly shared by both his supporters and his own campaign on social platforms, Biden responded playfully, "I resent the heck out of it," as he retrieved a pair of dark aviator-style sunglasses and sported them for a brief period.

Seth Meyers' interview with President Biden receives rave reviews

Netizens poured in their praises for the episode, especially the host, writing, "Thank you to Seth Meyers for this. It was a great opportunity to hear President Biden without filters. He needs to do more of these".

"Oh wow, great show, Seth ! Wow, the President ! He's so awesome ! .... However, I could feel you taking on how to imitate him ever better than you do now ! lol", remarked one viewer. 

Another said, "Seth really earned this interview by being such an empathetic and generous host. I'm so impressed".

One exclaimed, "Epic interview guys!!!", another expressed, "Great interview - well done Seth! Happy 10th Anniversary".

"That was wonderful. Thank you for inviting him, and having people who might never have heard his valuable words, hear him! I am so thankful we have a president who is intelligent, compassionate, and cares dearly about our country, its history, and its future. (Also--is NOT a criminal!!!), voiced another viewer.

Others said, "Thank you Seth, great interview" ; and "Thank you Seth! It was so awesome to see our President on your show. And you conversing with him one on one like so many of us would like to do. I hope his message reaches the people that need to hear it".