Biden warns against Israeli reoccupation of Gaza, National Security Council says
6:36 AM EST, November 8, 2023
US President Joe Biden revealed on Tuesday that he had requested a cease-fire during a phone call on Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, amidst the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
The White House released a statement delineating that in the course of their conversation, both leaders contemplated the potential for a "tactical pause" in the conflict for humanitarian purposes.
Israeli conflict: Biden's request
In addition, US Vice President Kamala Harris underlined in her Tuesday conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog the significance of safeguarding civilian lives and adhering to international humanitarian law, as revealed in a statement.
National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby stated on Tuesday that "President Joe Biden firmly asserts that a reoccupation of the Gaza Strip by Israel would pose a mistake". This statement emerged as a response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's suggestion of intending to seize control over this Palestinian territory.
"We are currently engaged in active discussions with our Israeli colleagues concerning the future of Gaza post-conflict. However, the President continues to stand firm on his belief that any reoccupation by Israeli forces would be ill-advised," stated John Kirby during the Tuesday press briefing.
This was in response to Prime Minister Netanyahu, who in an ABC News interview indicated that Israel plans to "indefinitely assume responsibility for the security of the Gaza Strip".
Biden had previously cautioned Israel against such a scenario, and during a recent trip to Israel, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that there can be no regression to either Hamas control over the territory or an Israeli seizure post-conflict.
