After days of silence, President Joe Biden has finally spoken up on the ongoing Israel-Palestine violence. In a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he declared his support for a ceasefire to end the deadly conflict that has left 200 dead, and more than 1200 severely wounded.
According to a report issued by the White House, Biden and Netanyahu discussed the course of action for the future. Biden had reportedly been in talks with Egypt and other stakeholders to end the Israel-Palestine violence through a ceasefire.
The U.S considers Hamas, the organization that controls Gaza as a ‘foreign terrorist organization.’ Most diplomats from the US and officials from other countries don’t directly work with their representatives. In the call’s transcript, the White House confirmed Biden’s ‘firm support’ for Israel to put up a defensive stand against the aggression.
In addition, Biden also told Netanyahu to make sure that Israel protects its citizens during the rapid airstrikes from Gaza. During the call, the 46th President of the United States also added how he was open to “address inter-communal violence,” in light of attacks in Israel that have led to the death of at least two people.
Time and time again, Biden has been coaxed to put up a tougher stance against the atrocities of the Israel-Palestine violence. Not only the Republicans but also his own party members have slammed him for adopting a neutral outlook on the conflict that has killed hundreds, including innocent children.
Ronna McDaniel, the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee called Biden out last week, citing his ‘weak leadership’ amidst the Hamas attacks that are effectively “reversing the historic progress” made by former President Donald Trump in ensuring a peaceful nation.
The devastation in Gaza is unconscionable. We must urge an immediate ceasefire. The killing of Palestinians and Israelis must end. We must also take a hard look at nearly $4 billion a year in military aid to Israel. It is illegal for U.S. aid to support human rights violations.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) May 16, 2021
A vast majority of Democrats have urged Biden to address the Israel-Palestine violence more responsibly. This included the likes of Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen Bernie Sanders, who spoke of the devastation in Gaza and asked Biden and his administration to take a ‘hard look’ and act accordingly.
