Biden says war in Gaza is 'a humanitarian crisis', calls for 'immediate ceasefire' during commencement speech

US President Joe Biden called for an "immediate ceasefire" while delivering the commencement address at Morehouse College, a historically Black, male-only institution in Atlanta.

“It’s a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, that’s why I’ve called for an immediate ceasefire," Biden said to applause.

"I know it angers and frustrates many of you including in my family," he said.

While Biden received applause and cheers, his speech also spurred some students to turn their backs to Biden as his backing of Israel in its war with Hamas riles college graduations across the country.

Biden was largely uninterrupted by protests that have shut down graduations elsewhere, although in addition to students who turned their chairs around to turn their backs to him, one graduate appeared to hold up a Palestinian flag briefly and an audience member stood and turned their back with their fist raised.

Biden also made remarks more typical of traditional commencement addresses, saying: Education "makes you free. And a Morehouse education makes you fearless."