Hagerstown Regional Airport
Hagerstown, Maryland
Q Mr. President, how close are we to the ceasefire?
THE PRESIDENT: It's in the hands of Hamas right now. The — the Israelis have been cooperating. There's an offer out there that's rational. We don't know what we're — we'll know in a couple days if it's going to happen. But we need the ceasefire.
Q How close are we —
Q (Inaudible) to the hostage deal?
THE PRESIDENT: I was just saying that. The hostage deal is in the hands of Hamas right now —
Q Okay.
THE PRESIDENT: — because there's been an offer — a rational offer. The Israelis have agreed to it and — waiting to see what the — Hamas does.
Q Do you think there will be a deal by Ramadan?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I — there's got to be a ceasefire because Ramadan — if we get into a circumstance where this continues through Ramadan, Israel and Jerusalem (inaudible) — it could be very, very dangerous. So, we're looking — we're trying hard for that ceasefire.
Q Mr. President, what's your message to Democrats who are concerned about your poll numbers?
THE PRESIDENT: My poll numbers — the last five polls, you guys don't report, I'm winning. Five — five in a row. You guys only look at the New York Times. They're a great paper.
Q Can you get the Israelis to allow more aid into Gaza?
THE PRESIDENT: Pardon me?
Q The Israelis, can you — are you pressuring them to get more aid into Gaza?
THE PRESIDENT: I'm working with them very hard. We're going to get more — we must get more aid into Gaza. There's no excuses. None.
Q And how is your relationship Netanyahu these days?
THE PRESIDENT: Like it's always been.
Q Sir?
THE PRESIDENT: Like it's always been.
Q Mr. President, what are you preparing for your State of the Union Address?
THE PRESIDENT: You'll hear me on Thursday. (Laughs.)
All right. Thank you all so very much.
