WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama praised Egypt’s proposal Monday for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, telling Muslim-Americans he’s hopeful the plan can restore calm in the wake of a deadly wave of violence.
“We’re going to continue to do everything we can to facilitate a return to the 2012 cease-fire,” Obama said at a White House dinner celebrating the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. “We are encouraged that Egypt has made a proposal to accomplish that goal.”
The upbeat assessment from him came hours after Egypt presented a plan to end a week of heavy fighting that has killed at least 185 people. Both Israel and the Palestinians say they are seriously considering the proposal, which marks the first sign of a breakthrough in international efforts to end the conflict.
At the same time, Obama has lamented the death and injury of Palestinian civilians in Gaza during Israel’s military seige, urging that civilians be protected and warning against further escalation by either side.
