US President Biden Holds Discussions with Key Western Leaders; Calls for Protection of Civilians in Israel

 

On Sunday, leaders of the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Britain issued a joint statement expressing their support for Israel's right to defend itself while emphasizing the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law and safeguarding the well-being of civilians.

The leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, convened a virtual meeting to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Hamas militant group. They welcomed the release of two hostages by Hamas and urged for the immediate release of all remaining hostages.

The meeting, which included the so-called Quint (the U.S., France, Britain, Germany, and Italy), as well as Canada, was organized following a conversation between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

These calls and discussions come at a time when there are increasing concerns that the Israel-Hamas conflict could escalate into a broader Middle East confrontation, marked by Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and heightened border clashes with Lebanon.

In their statement, the leaders committed to close collaboration in supporting their citizens in the region, particularly those seeking to leave Gaza. They also applauded the arrival of the first aid convoys in Gaza and pledged to work with regional partners to ensure continuous and secure access to food, water, medical care, and other humanitarian aid for the 2.2 million people in Gaza.

Furthermore, they agreed to maintain strong diplomatic coordination, including with key regional partners, with the aim of preventing the conflict from spreading, preserving stability in the Middle East, and working towards a political solution and lasting peace.

President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed the ongoing arrival of aid convoys in Gaza and affirmed their commitment to ensuring the continued flow of essential assistance. They also addressed efforts to secure the release of more than 200 hostages held by Hamas, including U.S. citizens.

In a separate conversation, President Biden spoke with Pope Francis, with both leaders underscoring the need to prevent further escalation in the region and to actively pursue a lasting peace in the Middle East. The Vatican also noted that the call, lasting approximately 20 minutes, focused on global conflict situations and the imperative of identifying paths to peace