President Biden has called on Israel to eliminate the terrorist organization Hamas, while also expressing confidence that Israel’s bombardment of Gaza will minimize innocent deaths. In an interview aired on the CBS show “60 Minutes,” Biden affirmed that Israel needs to entirely eliminate Hamas, which was responsible for the surprise terror attack in Israel on October 7th. However, he also acknowledged that a significant portion of the Palestinian people do not share the views of Hamas and Hezbollah.
Biden emphasized the need for a two-state solution that would create a Palestinian state, but he recognized that such a compromise is not currently feasible in light of the terror attacks. In response to the attack, Israel has launched a large-scale bombing campaign in Gaza. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 2,670 people, including 724 children, and the injury of over 9,600 others.
Biden distinguished between the attack on Israel and its response in Gaza. He stated that Israel is going after a group of people who have engaged in barbarism similar to the Holocaust and emphasized that Israel has to respond and go after Hamas. However, he condemned Hamas for hiding behind civilians and called them a bunch of cowards.
The president expressed confidence that Israel will do everything possible to avoid killing innocents. Meanwhile, Israel has cut off food, electricity, and some water supplies to Gaza, and has ordered over 1 million people to evacuate as Israeli troops gather at the Gaza border. The United Nations has warned of a potential humanitarian catastrophe if Gaza is blocked from receiving essential supplies.
Biden stated that he is confident Israel will act in accordance with the rules of war, ensuring that innocent civilians in Gaza have access to medicine, food, and water. He also cautioned Israel against permanently occupying Gaza and reaffirmed his belief that the extreme elements of Hamas do not represent the Palestinian people.
The Biden administration is currently in talks with Israel and Egypt about establishing a humanitarian corridor to allow innocent civilians to leave Gaza and to bring in humanitarian supplies. Biden reiterated his pledge that U.S. troops will not be deployed to help Israel fight Hamas, stating that Israel has a highly capable military and the U.S. will provide them with necessary support.
