Biden "Hamas should step up pressure to cease Gaza war"

U.S. President Joe Biden has stressed the need to increase pressure on Hamas for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.

"I ask everyone here to put pressure on Hamas for refusing to agree a ceasefire," Biden said in his opening speech at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on the 18th local time.

President Biden also reiterated his call for reducing civilian damage in the war against Hamas, saying Israel has the right to defend itself over the worst massacre of Jews in October last year since the Holocaust, but how it defends is important.

At the same time, we will continue our efforts to ensure Israel's security, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and to accelerate the cease-fire agreement that will end the suffering of Palestinians and children.