President Joe Biden has issued a warning to Israel against occupying Gaza, emphasizing the need for restraint in response to the recent attacks by Hamas. In an interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes,” Biden stated that it would be a “big mistake” for Israel to occupy Gaza. He also highlighted the importance of protecting civilians, as the humanitarian crisis in the coastal Palestinian enclave continues to worsen. Biden expressed his belief that Hamas should be eliminated, but emphasized the need for a Palestinian Authority and a path to a Palestinian state.
While Biden called on Israel to exercise restraint, he did not explicitly call for a ceasefire in the conflict. He acknowledged the severity of the situation and compared Hamas’ actions to barbarism, stating that Israel has the right to respond. However, he condemned Hamas for using civilians as shields. The situation in Gaza has led to a humanitarian disaster, with infrastructure damage and a lack of housing affecting the densely populated area. Biden called for a humanitarian corridor to assist trapped civilians and expressed confidence that Israel would adhere to the rules of war.
Regarding Iran’s involvement, Biden stated that there is no clear evidence linking them to the attacks on Israel. Although acknowledging Iran’s support for Hamas and Hezbollah, he emphasized that there is currently no evidence of their foreknowledge or direct involvement in planning the attacks. The United States will provide Israel with the necessary support and resources, but Biden does not anticipate American troops engaging in combat in the region.
