Benzinga - by Aaron Bry, Benzinga Editor.
Most Americans support a ceasefire in Gaza, where the current conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths — including more than 8,000 Palestinians and 1,000 Israelis — since Hamas’s attack on Oct. 7.
But, the White House is not ready to call for a ceasefire, which experts say could save thousands of lives.
Survey Says: Data For Progress ran a survey, which MSNBC aired, asking respondents if they think that the U.S. should call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
More than 65% of all respondents agreed, both a majority of Republicans and Democrats. According to the survey, 80% of Democrats agreed that a ceasefire should be called for, while 56% and 57% agreed for Republicans and Independents respectively.
pic.twitter.com/PN0F1aToFgRead Also: Israel's Step-By-Step Offensive In Gaza May Prolong Conflict With Hamas: Military Veterans— Bilal (@Bilalbay) November 1, 2023
John Kirby, an official for the National Security Council, said on Monday, Oct. 30, that the administration believes a ceasefire could disproportionately benefit Hamas and give the group time to rearm or prepare for another attack.
Kirby answered questions with the White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre about the conflict on Monday. The briefing occurred nearly at the same time as Israeli airstrikes hit a refugee camp in Gaza, killing more than 50 people. Israeli officials say the strike killed a Hamas official, which it was targeting.
Qatar, which has been helping negotiate the release of more than 200 Israeli hostages in Palestine, said that Israel’s strike on the refugee camp undermines Qatar’s efforts to de-escalate the fighting between Israel and Palestine. Saudi Arabia also condemned the attack.
Market Impact: Investors of U.S. defense corporations appear to be loving the fact that President Biden’s administration is not calling for a ceasefire. Israel is the biggest benefactor of U.S. military funding in the world. Rtx Corp’s (NYSE: RTX) stock is up more than 15% in the last month, while Lockheed Martin’s (NYSE: LMT) stock is up more than 10%.
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