Biden says Gaza occupation would be 'big mistake'

US President Joe Biden expressed his concerns regarding a potential Israeli occupation of Gaza, labeling it a 'big mistake.'

during a CBS 60 Minutes interview broadcast on Sunday, President Biden shared his perspective, saying, 'I think it'd be a big mistake... for Israel to occupy Gaza again.' When asked if he believed that Hamas should be completely eliminated, he replied, 'Yes, I do. But there needs to be a Palestinian authority. There needs to be a path to a Palestinian state.'
President Biden also voiced his confidence in Israel's commitment to adhering to the rules of war in its ongoing conflict with Palestine. He emphasized that, in his view, deploying US troops on the ground is not a necessary step at this juncture. He praised the capabilities of Israel's armed forces, calling them "one of the finest fighting forces."
Regarding the escalating tensions on Israel's northern border with Lebanon, President Biden clarified that he did not foresee a need for American troops to be stationed in the region. This statement comes as American warships are being sent to the area due to the growing clashes between the two sides.
President Biden's stance on Hamas underscores the complexity of the situation. He believes that while Hamas must be dealt with decisively, it is equally important to pave the way for a Palestinian state, as outlined by top US officials. Their concerns have been rooted in the potential for further escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as reported by Reuters.
The US President also highlighted the broader global implications of unrest in the Middle East, particularly its impact on the threat of terrorism within the United States.
The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas began with a series of unprecedented attacks by the militant group, prompting Israel to launch a fierce bombing campaign over Gaza. This wave of violence resulted in the loss of approximately 1,300 lives in Israel.
Israel's historical involvement in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem can be traced back to the 1967 Middle East war. The nation withdrew its settlers and troops from Gaza in 2005, setting the stage for Hamas's takeover of the Strip in 2007.
According to Gaza authorities, the ongoing conflict has already claimed the lives of over 2,670 people, with a significant proportion being children. Tragically, the casualties are expected to rise as Israel prepares for a potential ground assault on the densely populated enclave, which may commence in the coming days.