Title: Biden Calls for Immediate End to Israeli Settler Attacks as Israel Prepares for Ground Invasion
Subtitle: President Biden criticizes treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank, emphasizes support for Israel’s defense while urging adherence to “laws of war”
Washington D.C. – In a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, President Joe Biden called for an immediate end to Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, as Israel continues its strikes on Gaza in preparation for a long-promised ground invasion.
During the press conference, President Biden highlighted that the United States’ support for Israel’s defense remains unwavering but expressed concerns regarding the treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank by some Israelis. He stated, “I continue to be alarmed about extremist settlers attacking Palestinians in the West Bank… pouring gasoline on fire is what it’s like. They’re attacking Palestinians in places that they [the Palestinians] are entitled to be, and… it has to stop now.”
While Biden accused Hamas of using Palestinian civilians in Gaza as shields, he also stressed that Israel must adhere to the “laws of war” in their actions. Israel has been bombarding Gaza since the start of the conflict, with escalating fears that the death toll could rise further if a ground invasion occurs.
President Biden, however, expressed doubts about the accuracy of the civilian casualty figures provided by the Palestinians. He stated, “I have no notion that the Palestinians are telling the truth about how many people are killed. I’m sure innocents have been killed, and it’s a price of waging war. But I have no confidence in the number that the Palestinians are using.”
With tens of thousands of troops assembled at the Gaza border, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel was “raining down hellfire” and indicated that a ground offensive was in preparation. Biden denied reports that he pushed Netanyahu to delay a ground invasion while Hamas still holds hostages.
The World Health Organization has also called on Hamas to release proof of life for the hostages they are holding and release them on health grounds, citing urgent medical attention and psychological support.
However, at the United Nations, world powers failed to secure plans for delivering critical humanitarian aid to Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict. A US resolution for “humanitarian pauses” to allow aid into the blockaded Gaza Strip, without calling for a full ceasefire, was vetoed by Russia and China. Russia’s own proposal, which called for an immediate and respected humanitarian ceasefire, was also met with opposition.
As the Security Council remains deadlocked, the UN General Assembly is scheduled to debate the war in Gaza in the coming days.
President Biden concluded his remarks by emphasizing the need for a vision of peace and a two-state solution in the region once the Gaza crisis is resolved. He urged an inclusive effort from all parties involved to work towards a future of safety, dignity, and peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report.