Support to Israel, aid to Palestine

WASHINGTON,

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.