The US president’s, for many, apathetic attitude when asked to comment on the possibility of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip caused a reaction.

With a tone that seemed casual and without seeming prepared to emphasise the manner in which a ceasefire would be put in place, even with an ice cream cone in his hand, Joe Biden went on to make a not-so-subtle speculation.

Eating an ice cream as you discuss a possible ceasefire in Gaza is so inappropriate. pic.twitter.com/chI72X7j7b

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 27, 2024

He predicted that the ceasefire would probably begin at the weekend, but he did not make any further statements to substantiate his position.

Biden commented on the major geopolitical issue from inside a branch of the Van Leeuwen ice cream chain in New York City after completing an interview with Seth Meyers for his NBC show.

President Biden said he hopes a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas can take effect by early next week.

Biden commented on the negotiations in New York after taping an appearance on NBC’s “Late Night With Seth Meyers.” pic.twitter.com/lPydb0HDqs

— The Associated Press (@AP) February 27, 2024

“It’s so inappropriate to eat ice cream while discussing a possible ceasefire in Gaza,” commented well-known British journalist Piers Morgan.

“This seems irresponsible and tactless,” wrote Israeli-American analyst Mairav Zonszein in a social media post.

For his part, American journalist Jeremy Skahill called Biden’s announcement of a possible ceasefire in Gaza “surreal”, accompanied by ice cream.