Biden and leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their support for Israel’s “right to defend itself against terrorism.”
On Sunday, President Biden and the leaders of Western allies reaffirmed their support for Israel’s right to defend itself in the face of Hamas terrorist attacks while simultaneously encouraging the Jewish State to protect civilians and adhere to international humanitarian law.
Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a joint statement on Sunday welcoming Hamas’ release of two hostages and calling for the release of all remaining hostages.
“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,” the statement said. “They welcomed the release of two hostages and demanded that all remaining hostages be released immediately.” They agreed to work closely together to assist their nationals in the region, particularly those desiring to evacuate Gaza.”
Since Hamas started its deadliest onslaught against Israel in decades on Oct. 7, more than 5,700 people have been killed in Gaza and Israel, forcing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare war on the terrorist group. Thousands more have been injured, and many more have been kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by Hamas.
Related Posts
American mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan were kidnapped by Hamas from the Nahal Oz kibbutz in southern Israel near the Gaza Strip before being released thanks to Qatari mediation efforts.
The meeting of Western leaders comes after Biden spoke earlier in the day with Netanyahu about humanitarian aid to Gaza and efforts to rescue the more than 200 persons held captive by Hamas, including US citizens.
The leaders expressed their support for the arrival of first aid convoys in Gaza. They pledged to continue working with regional partners to ensure Gaza inhabitants have safe access to food, water, medical treatment, and other humanitarian assistance.
“The leaders welcomed the announcement of the first humanitarian convoys to reach Palestinians in need in Gaza and committed to continue coordinating with partners in the region to ensure sustained and safe access to food, water, medical care, and other assistance required to meet humanitarian needs,” the statement went on to say.
The parties also pledged to “continue close diplomatic coordination, including with key partners in the region, to prevent the conflict from spreading, preserve stability in the Middle East, and work toward a political solution and durable peace.”
During their conversation, Biden and Netanyahu reviewed the arrival of the first relief convoys to Gaza and agreed to continue delivering humanitarian aid to the territory. The two leaders also discussed attempts to obtain the release of further captives and methods to aid those seeking to flee.
“The leaders affirmed that there will now be a continued flow of this critical assistance into Gaza,” the White House said.
“The President thanked Israel for its assistance in facilitating the release of two American hostages.” The leaders reviewed ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining Hamas hostages, including US citizens, and safe passage for US citizens and other civilians in Gaza who choose to leave.
