"This also puts an added burden on Israel while they go after Hamas, but that does not lessen the need for – to operate in line with the laws of war," Biden said.
In his first press conference since Hamas attacked Israel Oct, 7, Biden also said he was alarmed by reports that Israeli settlers were attacking Palestinians in the West Bank.
But the West Bank is a major point of contention between Palestinians and Israel, whose prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has encouraged Israeli settlements there.
… I'm sure innocents have been killed, and it is the price of waging war," Biden said.
Middle East Cartoons View All 133 ImagesHe said that, while he has no proof, he believes the Hamas attack was a way to disrupt efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Persons:
Joe Biden, Biden, Anthony Albanese, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, …, Netanyahu
Organizations:
Hamas, Garden, Australian, West Bank
Locations:
Israel, Washington, Gaza, Saudi Arabia