President Joe Biden is calling for a ā€œpauseā€ in Israel’s war with Hamas.

During an event on Wednesday, a woman who identified herself as a rabbi stood up and said, ā€œI need you to call for a cease-fire right now.ā€

The president responded, ā€œI think we need a pause. A pause means give time to get the prisoners out.ā€

He went on to appear to claim credit for Israel holding off its operations in Gaza for several weeks as he said, ā€œI’m the guy that convinced Bibi to call for a cease-fire to let the prisoners out.ā€

The exchange comes as Israel has been conducting ground operations in the Gaza Strip following Hamas’ Oct. 7 massacre which left over 1,400 people dead.

Meanwhile, over 200 people were taken hostage.

Biden’s call for a ā€œpauseā€ was met with criticism.

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Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, ā€œHe knows a ā€˜humanitarian pause’ would be a gift to Hamas. This is Biden’s pathetic attempt to appease the anti-Semites in his base.ā€

Conservative commentator David Marcus wrote, ā€œBiden’s actions the past few days, the ridiculous strategy to combat Islamophobia, and his weak statement about a ā€˜pause’ in fighting convince me his campaign is terrified of what supporting Israel will do to his coalition of voters.ā€

National Review’s Noah Rothman posted, ā€œWow. Five days into Israeli ground operations, Biden caves to the ceasefire squad. Some resolve.ā€

Progressive Democrats have been calling for a ceasefire in the conflict for weeks.