U.S. President Joe Biden pledged to provide humanitarian aid and reconstruction assistance for the Gaza Strip while praising the agreement that ended fighting between Israel and Palestinian factions, which tested his negotiating skills and subjected him to criticism from his Democratic peers.
In brief remarks at the White House shortly after the announcement of the ceasefire that concluded 11 days of conflict, Biden stated that his country would enhance Israel's Iron Dome system, despite complaints from the Democratic left regarding the nature of pending U.S. arms sales to Israel.
Biden emphasized that the United States would work with the United Nations and other influential international bodies "to provide urgent humanitarian assistance and mobilize international support for the people of Gaza and for Gaza's reconstruction efforts." He confirmed that the reconstruction aid for Gaza would be coordinated with the Palestinian Authority, stating, "We will do this in full partnership with the Palestinian Authority."
U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price noted that Secretary of State Antony Blinken would travel to the region in the coming days to meet with his Israeli and Palestinian counterparts, as well as regional counterparts, to discuss reconstruction efforts "and work together to build a better future for Israelis and Palestinians."
In his remarks, Biden defended his approach to the crisis after being urged by many Democratic lawmakers to adjust his stance in support of Israel's right to self-defense, expressing their dissatisfaction with what they deemed a disproportionate response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the rocket attacks from Palestinian factions.
Biden mentioned that he had made six phone calls to Netanyahu and also spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Senior aides made dozens of calls to other Gulf officials.
Biden stated, "I believe that both Palestinians and Israelis deserve to live in safety and security and enjoy equal degrees of freedom, prosperity, and democracy." He continued, "My administration will continue its established quiet diplomacy to achieve this goal. I believe we have a real opportunity to make progress, and I am committed to working toward that."
