Washington: US President Joe Biden on Sunday held discussions with leaders of major Western powers to discuss Israel-Hamas conflict as Israel intensified its attacks on Gaza.
The White House in a statement said that Biden spoke with the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany and Italy.
It said that the leaders reaffirmed their support for Israel and its right to defend itself and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians.
Israel has the right to defend itself. We must make sure they have what they need to protect their people today and always.
At the same time, Prime Minister Netanyahu and I have discussed how Israel must operate by the laws of war. That means protecting civilians in combat as…— President Biden (@POTUS) October 22, 2023
It further added the leaders discussed their own citizens trapped in the conflict region in particular those wishing to quit Gaza.
Western leaders vow to ensure safe access to food, water, medical care
The statement said the Western leaders vowed to coordinate to ensure safe access to food, water, medical care, and other assistance required to meet humanitarian needs.
They also agreed to continue with close diplomatic coordination to prevent the conflict from spreading, preserve stability in the Middle East, and work toward a political solution and long-lasting peace.
READ ALSO: Palestinian Death Toll from Israeli Bombing on Gaza Climbs to 4,651
According to the White House President Biden held talks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
Earlier on Thursday, President Biden has reaffirmed the U.S. support for Israel. The White House has not called for a cease-fire in the area but has called for reducing civilian casualties.
On October 18, Biden administration announced $100 million in humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank.
On October 7 Hamas stormed Israel from the Gaza Strip, killing at least 1,400 people. However, Israel’s barbaric bombing has killed more than 4,651 Palestinians, mainly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
