President Joe Biden strongly insists that the Israel-Hamas conflict will persist until a two-state solution is reached to address the longstanding issues between the nations.
Expressing uncertainty about the duration of the conflict, Biden acknowledged the widening gap between the U.S. and Israel regarding the post-war scenario. The U.S. urged Israel not to reoccupy Gaza, a plea Israel rejected.
On Wednesday, Biden responded to queries about setting a deadline for U.S. support in the conflict, emphasizing his belief that the Israel-Hamas war won't conclude "until there's a two-state solution." The United Nations Security Council voted for an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian reasons in Gaza.
Biden conveyed his disagreement with Israel's potential occupation of Gaza, emphasizing the necessity of a two-state resolution. Addressing concerns about hostages, including a 3-year-old American reportedly held in Gaza, Biden asserted, "I'm not going to stop until we get her."
Simultaneously, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) escalated raids on Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital, describing it as a "targeted operation against Hamas." Tanks maneuvering around the hospital intensified fears for civilians, including premature babies, highlighting the symbol of Palestinian suffering.
The White House called for the protection of patients, expressing opposition to airstrikes on Gaza's largest hospital and the prospect of conflict within. The U.S., relying on intelligence sources, supported Israel's claim of militants using hospitals and tunnels for cover.
As international pressure mounted, Israel agreed to allow fuel into Gaza for humanitarian purposes, the first such allowance since the conflict erupted. Over 1.6 million people in Gaza have been displaced, with health officials reporting over 11,200 deaths.
In response to the intensifying war, two dozen Democratic lawmakers, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Betty McCollum, signed a letter urging President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to seek a ceasefire. The lawmakers expressed concerns about violations against children and emphasized the need for a robust bilateral ceasefire to prevent further civilian casualties, urging clarity on strategic objectives for de-escalation and stability in the region.
(With Agency Inputs)
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