Possible Gaza cease-fire should not collapse, says British premier

BIRMINGHAM, England

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday extended the UK's support for Washington's efforts to achieve a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip but expressed concern that if the agreement collapsed "within days," it would not be in everyone's favor.

Speaking to parliamentarians at the House of Commons, Sunak responded when asked if he shares the same stance as US President Joe Biden, who recently said he hopes cease-fire negotiations will be completed by this weekend.

He added that the UK should be proud of the contribution of "life-saving aid" to the people of Gaza.

Speaking at a TV show on Monday, Biden said: "I think if we get that that temporary cease-fire, we're going to be able to move in a direction where we can change the dynamic.”

The president also said if a hostage swap deal is reached, Israel will suspend its war in Gaza during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

"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 said.

Earlier, he expressed hope that a cease-fire would be reached by March 4.

BIRMINGHAM, England

He added that the UK should be proud of the contribution of "life-saving aid" to the people of Gaza.

Speaking at a TV show on Monday, Biden said: "I think if we get that that temporary cease-fire, we're going to be able to move in a direction where we can change the dynamic.”

The president also said if a hostage swap deal is reached, Israel will suspend its war in Gaza during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Earlier, he expressed hope that a cease-fire would be reached by March 4.