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President Biden Holds Talks with Western Allies on Israel-Hamas Conflict – White House Statement
US President Joe Biden engaged in discussions regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict on Sunday with leaders from major Western powers, according to a White House announcement. Concurrently, Israel escalated its attacks on Gaza.
During the conversations, President Biden conversed with leaders from the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy, as confirmed by the White House.
“The leaders reiterated their support for Israel and its right to defend itself against terrorism and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians,” as per a White House summary of the discussions.
The leaders also addressed the concerns of their own citizens who are trapped in the Israel-Hamas conflict, with a particular focus on those desiring to leave Gaza.
Fighting continued unabated, resulting in additional casualties from Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. The humanitarian situation within the enclave deteriorated.
A convoy of 17 aid trucks arrived in Gaza as the Hamas-controlled territory faced severe shortages, described as “catastrophic.”
On October 7, Hamas militants infiltrated Israel’s border, initiating an attack that claimed the lives of at least 1,400 individuals, as reported by Israeli authorities. This incident also led to the seizure of more than 200 hostages, marking one of the most significant attacks in Israel’s history.
In response, Israel launched an extensive bombing campaign, resulting in the deaths of over 4,600 Palestinians, primarily civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
The White House readout emphasized the commitment of Western leaders to coordinate efforts to ensure sustained and secure access to essential humanitarian needs, including food, water, and medical care.
Furthermore, they pledged close diplomatic coordination to prevent the conflict from spreading, maintain stability in the Middle East, and work towards a political resolution and lasting peace.
The call participants, in addition to President Biden, included Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, according to the White House.
