### Biden Expresses Optimism on Israel-Iran Tensions Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict

President Joe Biden, speaking in Berlin after discussions with European leaders, expressed cautious optimism about the potential to prevent an all-out war between Israel and Iran. However, he conveyed less confidence regarding the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza in the near future.

"There’s an opportunity in my view – and my colleagues agree – that we can probably deal with Israel and Iran in a way that ends the conflict for a while," Biden said, emphasizing hopes to halt the ongoing hostilities. This marks a notable shift from last week's stance when the State Department suggested no longer pursuing a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, following the assassination of several Hezbollah leaders.

The wider conflict has seen Israel preparing for a potential strike against Iran, a response to Tehran's barrage of missiles at Israeli targets on October 1. This attack came after the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and assassinations of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and an Iranian general in Beirut. Earlier this year, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel after the bombing of an Iranian consulate in Damascus killed seven.

During his Berlin remarks, Biden was asked about Israel's potential response strategy and confirmed his understanding but withheld details. The US President had previously voiced opposition to an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear or oil facilities, cautious of the economic ramifications, including the potential spike in global oil prices which could impact American consumers and affect the Democratic electoral chances in 2024.

The conflict has taken a heavy toll, particularly in Gaza, where the Israeli offensive has led to the deaths of more than 42,500 Palestinians and widespread destruction, displacing nearly the entire population. Allegations of ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza have also arisen, with Israel accused of forcing residents to leave and cutting off humanitarian aid.

Despite the intense situation, Biden has pledged continued American military support to Israel, signing off on an additional $14 billion in aid since the Gaza conflict reignited in early October 2023. In a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Biden reportedly congratulated him on the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, terming it an "opportunity" for future resolution.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah fights on in Lebanon, maintaining its offensive against Israeli forces despite significant losses, including the death of Nasrallah. The Lebanese group has inflicted heavy casualties on Israeli troops and continues to launch rockets reaching as far as the suburbs of Tel Aviv. Recently, Hezbollah announced a new "escalatory phase" in their confrontation with Israel, set to unfold in the coming days.

As the situation evolves, it remains unclear how Biden and his European allies plan to prevent further escalation and achieve a lasting solution to the multifaceted conflict.