President Biden spoke with the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian National Authority to express concern about the regional conflict and hope for a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
The White House said President Biden spoke with Palestinian National Authority President Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, respectively, on the 15th.
Biden and Abbas discussed the current state of tension in Jerusalem and the West Bank, sharing a common hope for peaceful coexistence in Jerusalem for people of all faiths and backgrounds. Biden informed Abbas of U.S. diplomatic contacts regarding the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the need for Hamas to stop firing rockets into Israel. The two expressed concern over the loss of innocent civilians, including children, in the ongoing violence. Biden supported measures to give the Palestinians the dignity, security, freedom and economic opportunity they deserve, stressing that a negotiated two-state solution is the best way to achieve a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Biden also noted that the United States has recently decided to resume assistance to the Palestinian population, including economic and humanitarian assistance that benefits the Palestinian population in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
During the call with Netanyahu, Biden reiterated his strong support for Israel’s right to self-defense and condemned the blind attacks on Israeli cities and towns, noting that the ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of Israeli and Palestinian civilians, including children. Biden also briefed on U.S. contacts with regional partners on the subject and expressed concern for the safety of journalists on the ground.
Biden also expressed grave concern about violence between communities across Israel and welcomed the measures taken by the Israeli side. The two discussed the current state of tension in Jerusalem and shared hopes for peaceful coexistence in Jerusalem among people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Biden also expressed concern about violent confrontations in the West Bank, expressed support for measures to give Palestinians the dignity, security, freedom and economic opportunity they deserve, and reiterated his support for a two-state solution. The two leaders agreed to continue close consultations between their teams and to stay in touch in the days ahead.
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