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.