President Joe Biden reiterated the US’ unwavering support for Israel and emphasised the need for humanitarian aid for the people of Palestine as he held separate phone calls with the Israeli and Palestinian leaders amid escalating tensions in Gaza, the White House has said.
In his first call with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas since Hamas’ unprecedented assault on Israel a week ago, Biden stressed that the militant group ‘’does not stand for the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination’’. Biden discussed with Abbas US’ efforts to work with the United Nations, Egypt, Jordan, Israel and others to ensure humanitarian supplies reach civilians in Gaza. The President also called Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his fifth such call Hamas’ assault last week. In both calls, Biden stressed the need to prevent the conflict from expanding. He spoke to both leaders about coordination with the United Nations, Egypt, Jordan and other countries in the region to ensure access to water, food and medical care for all civilians.
‘’Abbas briefed Biden on his engagement in the region and his efforts to bring urgently needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza. Biden offered Abbas and the Palestinian Authority his full support for these important and ongoing efforts,’’ the White House said on Saturday. ‘’This afternoon, President Biden spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu to reiterate unwavering US support for Israel. President Biden updated Prime Minister Netanyahu on US military support and reiterated his warning against anyone seeking to expand the conflict,’’ it said. Biden affirmed his support for all efforts to protect civilians, it said. ‘’As more information comes to light about Hamas’ brutal atrocities committed over the past week, Biden reiterated the need for all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas as a terrorist organisation that does not represent the aspirations of the Palestinian people,’’ the White House said.
‘’Finally, President Biden detailed US efforts to coordinate with partners to prevent the conflict from widening, and the two leaders discussed the need to preserve stability in the West Bank and the broader region,’’ it said about Biden’s meeting with Abbas. The United States has intensified its global engagement amid an imminent Israeli plan to send its foot soldiers to Gaza.
