Biden says 'occupying Gaza would be a big mistake,' Israel responds: We have 'no interest' in governing 2 million Palestinians
US President Joe Biden stated, "It would be a big mistake for Israel to occupy Gaza." Responding to Biden, Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan stated that Israel has "no interest" in governing 2 million Palestinians.
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As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues into its 10th day, Israel is simultaneously intensifying its bombardment of Gaza. With eyes turning toward a ground operation as Israel increases its troop buildup on the Gaza border, a warning-like statement for Israel came from US President Joe Biden.
Appearing on the CBS program "60 Minutes," based in New York, Biden said he supports the evacuation of civilians from Gaza and the opening of humanitarian corridors for the delivery of basic necessities such as food and water.
'A PATH MUST BE FOUND'
Noting his belief that Hamas must be completely eliminated, Joe Biden said, "It would be a big mistake for Israel to occupy Gaza." Stating that "what is happening in Gaza is Hamas, and Hamas does not represent the entire Palestinian people," the US President added, "But there needs to be a Palestinian authority. There needs to be a path to a Palestinian state."
ISRAEL'S RESPONSE TO BIDEN
The response to Biden's remarks came from Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan. Erdan rebuked Biden for not understanding Israel's desire to destroy Hamas, stating that Israel has "no interest" in governing 2 million Palestinians. In a statement on his social media account, Erdan said, "Israel's goal is to completely destroy Hamas."