Biden speaks with Israeli, Palestinian leaders

US President Joe Biden had a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Report informs, citing the White House press service.

The US President reaffirmed his strong support for Israel’s right to defend itself against rocket attacks from Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza. He condemned the indiscriminate attacks against towns and cities across Israel.

Biden updated the Israeli Prime Minister on high-level US engagement with regional partners on this issue and discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The US President shared his grave concern about the intercommunal violence across Israel. He welcomed the statements by Prime Minister Netanyahu and other leaders opposing such hateful acts and encouraged continued steps to hold violent extremists accountable and to establish calm.

President Biden also spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to convey the US commitment to strengthening the US-Palestinian partnership. They discussed the current tensions in Jerusalem and the West Bank and expressed their shared desire for Jerusalem to be a place of peaceful coexistence for people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Biden expressed his support for steps to enable the Palestinian people to enjoy the dignity, security, freedom, and economic opportunity that they deserve. In that regard, he highlighted the recent US decision to resume assistance to the Palestinian people, including economic and humanitarian assistance to benefit Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.