President Joe Biden has strongly encouraged Israel to exercise caution and avoid occupying the Gaza Strip in response to recent Hamas terror attacks. Speaking in an interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes,” Biden emphasized that it would be a significant mistake for Israel to take such a step. He acknowledged the problem of the situation, pointing out that Hamas and its extreme elements do not represent all Palestinians. Biden highlighted the need for a Palestinian Authority and a clear path towards a Palestinian state, even while expressing his belief that Hamas should be eliminated.
Biden’s comments marked a rare occasion where he called on Israel to show restraint in its response to the Hamas attacks, which resulted in a devastating toll, including civilian casualties. While acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, he stressed the importance of protecting innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. The President expressed empathy for the people of Gaza, recognizing the terrible humanitarian crisis unfolding there due to the ongoing conflict. He called for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to ensure the delivery of essential supplies, such as medicine, food, and water, to those in need.
Importantly, Biden did not clearly call for an immediate ceasefire, highlighting the complexities of the situation. He acknowledged Israel’s need to respond to the attacks performed by Hamas but also criticized Hamas for using civilians as shields. Biden highlighted Israel’s commitment towards minimizing civilian casualties and underscored the country’s responsibility to act in accordance with the rules of war. Addressing concerns about a potential Israeli occupation of Gaza, Biden clarified that Israel had no intention of reoccupying the territory or ruling over the lives of the Palestinian population. He expressed confidence in Israel’s ability to act responsibly and reassured that the United States would provide Israel with the necessary support.
Regarding the involvement of external parties, Biden stated that there was no clear evidence implicating Iran in the attacks on Israel at that point. While acknowledging Iran’s support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, he clarified that there was no indication of Iranian involvement in planning the recent attacks. Biden’s remarks struck a careful balance between upholding Israel’s self-defenses rights, safeguarding civilian lives, and seeking a lasting resolution that fulfils the aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians alike. His words underscored the problem of the situation in the region and the challenging task of finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
