In a campaign speech on Wednesday, President Joe Biden voiced his support for a humanitarian pause in Israel's ongoing conflict in Gaza, per Al Jazeera.

This shift in the White House's position comes as the United States works to evacuate American citizens trapped in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

During the speech, President Biden was interrupted by a protester calling for an immediate ceasefire.

When asked to clarify what he meant by a "pause," Biden explained it as a time to "get the prisoners out," referring to captives held by Hamas, the group governing Gaza.

The White House later clarified this statement.

This marks a notable change in the White House's stance, as they had previously emphasized not dictating how Israel conducts its military operations, with White House spokesperson John Kirby stating, "We're not drawing red lines for Israel."

In a United Nations General Assembly vote on Friday, the United States was one of only 14 countries to vote "no" on a resolution calling for a ceasefire.

The United States has been a staunch ally of Israel, providing substantial annual aid to the country.

President Joe Biden has also requested Congress to approve a $14.3 billion military aid package to support Israel's ongoing military offensive.

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Growing Pressure From Human Rights Groups

Joe Biden has been facing increasing pressure from human rights organizations, fellow world leaders, and members of his own Democratic Party, who argue that the Israeli bombardment of Gaza amounts to collective punishment and that it is time for a ceasefire.

While the White House has not explicitly called for a ceasefire, they have indicated that Israel should consider humanitarian pauses to allow the delivery of aid to civilians and the evacuation of foreign nationals stranded in Gaza.

On the ground, Israeli troops have advanced near Gaza City, engaging in heavy fighting with militants, AP reports.

However, there have been efforts to allow foreign nationals and seriously injured Palestinians to leave Gaza, with the first group crossing into Egypt.

The White House has revealed that its newly confirmed ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, will be dispatched to the Middle East with a focus on "supporting US efforts to create the conditions for a humanitarian pause to address the worsening humanitarian conditions facing Palestinian civilians."

Israel Military Says It Surrounds Gaza City

Israel's military reported that it had surrounded Gaza City, a focal point in its efforts to target Hamas militants.

Hamas, in response, continued with hit-and-run attacks from underground tunnels, Reuters noted.

The conflict, which began when Hamas militants breached Israel's border, has resulted in significant casualties among Palestinian civilians, along with shortages of essential supplies.

There have been global calls for a humanitarian break in the fighting, though Israel has contended that it is targeting Hamas fighters, whom it accuses of hiding among the population and in civilian buildings.

The situation remains fluid, with the White House considering temporary and localized pauses in the conflict while reaffirming Israel's right to self-defense.

Amid these developments, President Joe Biden emphasized his efforts to address the humanitarian crisis.

He mentioned that he played a pivotal role in persuading both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi to permit the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

READ MORE: Joe Biden Says Support for Israel and Ukraine Is Vital for US Security 

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Joe Biden calls for humanitarian pause in Israel-Hamas war amid pressure from human rights groups - From CBS Mornings