Current:Home > NewsBiden remains committed to two-state solution amid Israel-Hamas war, national security spokesman says-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Biden remains committed to two-state solution amid Israel-Hamas war, national security spokesman says
View Date:2024-12-23 16:21:11
The Biden administration remains committed to a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, John Kirby, told "CBS Mornings" on Tuesday, four days after Hamas militants launched a large-scale attack on Israel.
"Obviously, in these early hours after this dreadful, reprehensible set of terrorist attacks by Hamas, we want to make sure that the Israeli people know that we are supporting them, that they have this right to defend themselves, that they will get the security they need to do so," Kirby said. "So in these early hours, that's really where our focus is, but that doesn't mean that we're abandoning the idea of a two-state solution."
Kirby said President Biden believes an independent state for Palestine and an independent state for the Israelis "remains the best path forward for peace and security" in the Middle East.
"It's something that we've been working on since day one of this administration, and we'll keep doing that," Kirby said.
Officials said more than 1,600 people have been killed since the Hamas militant group launched the surprise assault on Israel from Gaza early Saturday.
At least 11 Americans are among the dead, and that number is expected to grow, Kirby said. A "number" of Americans also remain unaccounted for, he said.
"Sadly, we have to accept the grim possibility that some of those Americans who are unaccounted for could be of those that are being held hostage by Hamas," Kirby said, adding that the safety and security of Americans overseas is a top priority for Mr. Biden.
Hamas is believed to be holding scores of hostages after the militant group, long designated a terrorist organization by Israel and the United States, launched their assault. Israel's Government Press Office said on Sunday that Hamas took more than 100 people hostage.
In the wake of the assault, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said he ordered a "complete siege" of the Gaza Strip, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel "will exact a price that will be remembered" by Hamas "and Israel's other enemies for decades to come."
Kirby said that while the United States is focused on making sure Israeli forces "have what they need" to defend themselves and take offensive actions, "nobody wants to see ... any more innocent civilians hurt on either side."
"We believe that certainly while Israel has this right to defend itself and we respect that, of course, we also know that Israel, like us, has shared values, shared interests, belief in the rule of law, and that we're stronger together when we observe that rule of law," said Kirby.
- In:
- Palestine
- Israel
veryGood! (56)
Related
- Rita Ora pays tribute to Liam Payne at MTV Europe Music Awards: 'He brought so much joy'
- Israel considering deal with Hamas for temporary Gaza cease-fire in exchange for release of some hostages
- National Fast Food Day: See how your favorite fast-food restaurants ranked this year
- Remains found in remote Arizona desert in 1992 identified as missing teen girl, police say
- My Chemical Romance will perform 'The Black Parade' in full during 2025 tour: See dates
- Bobby Ussery, Hall of Fame jockey whose horse was DQ’d in 1968 Kentucky Derby, dies at 88
- Censored art from around the world finds a second opportunity at a Barcelona museum for banned works
- Moms for Liberty removes two Kentucky chapter leaders who posed with far-right Proud Boys
- Denzel Washington Will Star in Black Panther 3 Before Retirement
- Rare zombie disease that causes deer to excessively drool before killing them found in Yellowstone
Ranking
- The Best Gifts for People Who Don’t Want Anything
- 'Heartbroken': 5-year-old boy fatally stabs twin brother with kitchen knife during fight
- US wildlife managers have no immediate plans to capture wandering Mexican gray wolf
- Virginia state senator who recently won reelection faces lawsuit over residency requirement
- Ben Foster files to divorce Laura Prepon after 6 years, according to reports
- Federal safety officials launch probe into Chicago commuter train crash
- California Interstate 10 reopens Tuesday, several weeks ahead of schedule
- K-Pop star Rose joins first lady Jill Biden to talk mental health
Recommendation
-
The 15 quickest pickup trucks MotorTrend has ever tested
-
Pets will not be allowed in new apartments for Alaska lawmakers and staff
-
Karol G wins album of the year at 2023 Latin Grammys: See the winners list
-
Prosecutors investigate Bulgarian soccer federation president in the wake of violent protests
-
Gerry Faust, the former head football coach at Notre Dame, has died at 89
-
Rio’s iconic Christ statue welcomes Taylor Swift with open arms thanks to Swifties and a priest
-
Nicki Minaj announces Pink Friday 2 Tour: What you need to know, including tickets, dates
-
Kim Kardashian Turns Heads With New Blonde Hair on GQ Men of the Year Red Carpet