Biden delivers stern message to Israel as Gaza invasion looms

President Joe Biden issued a strong warning to Israel, urging them to exercise caution in their response to the recent wave of terror attacks by Hamas. During an interview with CBS "60 Minutes," Biden emphasized that it would be a grave error for Israel to occupy Gaza. Despite the mounting humanitarian crisis within the Palestinian enclave, Israel has indicated its readiness for a potential ground invasion. Biden emphasized the importance of safeguarding civilians, and the United States has been actively involved in addressing critical shortages of essential resources such as food, water, and gas.

Biden expressed his belief that the actions in Gaza do not reflect the views of all Palestinians. He stated that Hamas and their extreme factions do not represent the entire Palestinian population. Biden also shared his opinion that Hamas should be completely eradicated, while emphasizing the importance of establishing a Palestinian Authority and a clear path towards a Palestinian state.

The US president's rare plea for Israel to exercise restraint in response to the Hamas attacks, resulting in the death of 1,400 Israelis, is reflected in these comments. In response, Israel launched an extensive bombing campaign targeting the northern Gaza Strip, the area from which Hamas launched its attack.

Israeli tanks move near Gaza border as Israeli army deploys military vehicles around the Gaza Strip, Israel on October 12, 2023.

Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu/Getty Images)

Israel-Hamas conflict persists amid escalating crisis in Gaza, clarifies Israeli ambassador Michael Herzog. Tel Aviv has no plans to maintain control over Gaza post-conflict, he informed CNN's Jake Tapper on Sunday.

"We do not intend to take control of or regain control over Gaza. We have no intention of governing the lives of over 2 million Palestinians," stated Herzog.

During the "60 Minutes" interview, it is worth mentioning that Biden did not explicitly state that it was the right time for a ceasefire.

"Israel is facing a significant distinction in this situation. They are confronting a group of individuals who have committed acts of savagery that are comparable in their impact to the Holocaust," he emphasized.

"Therefore, Israel is compelled to take action. Hamas, the opposing party, displays cowardly behavior by using innocent civilians as shields... The Israeli forces will exhaust all possible measures to prevent harm to innocent lives."

The situation in Gaza has rapidly evolved into a dire humanitarian crisis, prompting the Israelis to issue an evacuation order to civilians residing in the northern region, urging them to relocate to the southern part of the area in anticipation of an impending invasion. Regrettably, numerous human rights organizations have deemed this evacuation near impossible, citing the severe infrastructure damage caused by Israeli strikes and the scarcity of housing options for Palestinians in one of the world's most densely populated locations.

US President Joe Biden and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

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Israel and the US are in talks regarding a potential visit by Biden, following an invitation extended by Netanyahu. During a conversation with Pelley, Biden expressed his belief in the necessity of establishing a humanitarian corridor to assist stranded civilians amidst the ongoing conflict. He also reassured that Israel would uphold the "rules of war."

"I am confident that Israel will adhere to the rules of war and act accordingly," Biden stated. "Democratic institutions and countries follow certain standards, and I am certain that there will be provisions in place to ensure that the innocent people in Gaza have access to essential supplies such as medicine, food, and water."

The president clarified that the involvement of American troops in combat in the region is not expected as Israel prepares for its ground counterattack. Biden assured that the United States will provide Israel with all necessary assistance and support."

Biden emphasized that there is currently insufficient evidence to link Iran directly to the attacks on Israel, despite their ongoing support for Hamas and Hezbollah.

CNNs Kevin Liptak, Nikki Carvajal and Priscilla Alvarez contributed to this report.