During a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, President Joe Biden stressed the urgent need for a “path to peace” in the Israel-Gaza conflict. He reiterated the unwavering support of the United States for Israel’s defense while emphasizing the critical importance of paving the way for a peaceful future in the region post-crisis.
President Biden highlighted the necessity of independent states for both Israelis and Palestinians, emphasizing their coexistence in safety, dignity, and peace. He advocated for a two-state solution as the viable path to resolve the long-standing conflict. Additionally, Biden suggested that the violence by Hamas might have aimed to disrupt the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the intricate dynamics at play in the region.
Expressing doubt about the accuracy of Palestinian casualty figures, Biden, while acknowledging the tragic loss of innocent lives, indicated a lack of confidence in the numbers provided by Palestinian authorities. Furthermore, he raised concerns about reports of extremist Israeli settlers attacking Palestinians in the West Bank, condemning these actions as adding fuel to the ongoing tensions in the region.