Remarks in an Exchange With Reporters Prior to Departure for Brownsville, Texas

Israel-Hamas Conflict in Gaza, Palestinian Territories

Q. Do you expect a cease-fire by Monday, sir? Do you still expect a cease-fire is possible by Monday, sir?

The President. Hope springs eternal.

Q. And what is——

The President. I was on the telephone with the people in the region. I'm still—probably not by Monday, but I'm hopeful.

[At this point, several reporters began asking questions at once.]

Civilian Deaths in Gaza, Palestinian Territories

Q. Do you know what happened in Gaza City? More than a hundred civilians were killed.

The President. I was just—we're checking that out right now. But two—there's two competing versions of what happened. I don't have an answer yet.

Q. Are you worried that will complicate these negotiations?

The President. I know it will.

[Several reporters asked questions at once.]

In Vitro Fertilization

Q. Mr. President, the Alabama ruling. I want to ask you about the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church said that IVF is immoral and wrong because it destroys countless human embryos. What do you say to that?

The President. I don't agree with that position.