Biden hold phone talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, urges to prevent escalation of conflict

Middle East, News, US October 15, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. President Joe Biden held phone talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on October 14, 2023. Biden reiterated “unwavering U.S. support for Israel” and “humanitarian assistance” for Palestinians.

According to the White House statement, U.S. President Biden updated the Israeli prime minister on U.S. military support and reiterated his warning against “anyone seeking to expand the conflict”.

U.S. President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed the U.S. coordination with the United Nations, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and others in the region “to ensure innocent civilians have access to water, food, and medical care.”

Biden reaffirmed his support for all efforts to protect civilians in both Israel and Palestine and reiterated “the need for all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas as a terrorist organization that does not represent the aspirations of the Palestinian people,” the White House statement read.

During his talks with Palestinian Authority President Abbas, Biden stated that “Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination” and highlighted that humanitarian supplies should reach civilians in Gaza.

According to the White House statement, Palestinian Authority President Abbas briefed U.S. President Biden on his engagement in the region and his efforts to bring urgently needed humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza. “President Biden offered President Abbas and the Palestinian Authority his full support for these important and ongoing efforts,” the statement added.

Israel bombing Gaza — *^{A view of the destruction of Gaza as a result of bombing by Israeli forces on residential buildings. (Image Credit: Twitter)}*

Biden and Abbas also discussed the importance of preserving stability in the West Bank and the broader region, as the U.S. president detailed United States efforts to coordinate with partners to prevent the conflict from widening.

According to Palestinian officials, 2,215 Palestinians have been killed, including 724 children and 458 women, and more than 10,000 wounded by Israeli raids in Gaza. Israeli officials stated that 1,300 people in Israel have been killed in the violence so far.

Biden has assured unwavering support for Israel as its military continues to bomb Gaza after an unprecedented attack from the Palestinian group Hamas on October 7.

The U.S. and its European allies are backing Israel for its operation in the Gaza Strip through military support, while Middle Eastern states are raising their concerns over Israel’s carpet bombing of Gaza’s residential facilities, schools, and hospitals.

Biden attends meeting after attack on Israel by Hamas — ^{U.S. President Biden and Vice President Harris meet with their national security teams in the White House Situation Room on October 10, 2023, to receive a situation update and give direction on the next steps. (Image Credit: President Biden/X)}

Soon after the attack, Biden pledged military assistance for Israel and said: “We’re surging additional military assistance, including ammunition and interceptors to replenish the Iron Dome” anti-missile system of Israel. “We’re going to make sure that Israel does not run out of these critical assets to defend its cities and its citizens,” Biden said.

The U.S. Department of Defense is also providing military and intelligence support to Israel in its fight against Hamas attacks. The White House and U.S. Congress are crafting an emergency $2 billion aid package for Israel.