US President Joe Biden promised to replenish Israel’s Iron Dome system and to help rebuild Gaza in a brief address he delivered at the White House shortly after the announcement that a truce had been reached to end 11 days of IDF-Hamas conflict on Thursday evening.
“The US is committed to working with the UN… and other international stakeholders to provide rapid humanitarian assistance and to marshal international support for the people of Gaza and the Gaza reconstruction efforts,” he said.
“We will do this in full partnership with the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas, the PA, in a manner that does not permit Hamas to restock its military arsenal,” Biden said.
“Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely. My administration will continue our quiet relentless diplomacy toward that end. We have a genuine opportunity to make progress,” Biden said.
He explained that over the last two weeks, he had held six conversations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including on Thursday.
The two men had spoken of the Iron Dome system, which had saved the lives of countless Israelis, both Arabs and Jews, Biden explained.
“I assured him of my full support to replenish Israel’s Iron Dome system to ensure its defenses and security in the future,” Biden said.
Biden underscored that “the US fully supports Israel’s right to protect itself against indiscriminate rocket attacks from Hamas and other Gaza terror groups that have taken theta lives of innocent civilians in Israel.”
“Hour by hour” intensive conversations were held with Israelis, Palestinians, Egyptians and other Middle Eastern countries, Biden said as he described the diplomatic activity that led to the cease fire.
Biden said that aside from Netanyahu he had spoken with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.
He lauded Sisi and the Egyptians for their critical role and lauded Netanyahu for accepting the mutual unconditional cease fire. Hamas has also told the Egyptians that they agreed to the cease fire, he said.
“I extend my since condolences to all the families, Israeli and Palestinians, who have lost loved ones,” Biden said, adding that he sent his wishes for a full recovery to the wounded.
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