Biden thanks Israel, Egypt, Qatar for facilitating exit of foreigners from Gaza

US President Joe Biden cheers regional partners for their help paving the way for some wounded Palestinians and foreign nationals, including some US citizens, to escape Gaza.

“I personally spent a lot of time speaking with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel and President Sissi of Egypt and others, to make sure that we could open this access for people to get out,” Biden says during a visit to Northfield, Minnesota. “I want to thank our partners, in particular Qatar, who worked so closely with us to support negotiations to facilitate the departure of these citizens.”

Biden said more work needs to be done to “significantly step up the flow of critical humanitarian assistance into Gaza.” He reiterates that he backs Israel’s right to defend itself “in a manner that is consistent with international humanitarian law.”

But he also acknowledges the suffering endured by Palestinians during the Israeli operations: “We’ve all seen the devastating images from Gaza,” Biden noted. “Palestinian children crying out for lost parents… writing on their hands and legs to be identified if the worst happens.”