Biden says two-state solution \`only answer\` to Israel_ Palestine
US President Joe Biden pledged to help organize efforts to rebuild Gaza and said creating a Palestinian state alongside Israel is the "only answer" to the conflict.
Speaking at a White House news conference_ Biden said a two-state solution was the only answer to resolving the conflict between the two sides_ and pledged to build a major package with other countries to help rebuild Gaza.
Biden said he spoke to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and told him his plans for Palestine that includes providing security in the West Bank.
"And recently we renewed the security commitment_ as well as an economic commitment to the people on the West Bank_" said Biden. "I also indicated to the Israelis that I thought it was very important that they stop in Jerusalem this inner communal fighting_ it has to end.
The president also said he would put together a major package with other nations to rebuild Gaza_ partly destroyed by Israeli bombardment that stopped with a cease-fire.
The cease-fire_ brokered by Egypt_ went into effect at 2 a.m. local time on Friday (2300 GMT Thursday). It came after 11 days of Israeli airstrikes on the blockaded Gaza Strip.
Israel and Hamas on Friday ended 11 days of fighting that killed 248 people and wounded 1_900. Humanitarian officials say the damage to Gaza will take years to rebuild at a cost of tens of millions of dollars.
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