Biden: There’s no going back to pre-war status quo, there must be vision of 2 states

US President Joe Biden says, “There’s no going back to the status quo as it stood on October 6.”

“That means ensuring that Hamas can no longer terrorize Israel and use Palestinians civilians as human shields. It also means that when this crisis is over, there has to be a vision of what comes next, and in our view it has to be a two-state solution,” he says in a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Biden indicates that he has suggested delaying the ground operation in order to secure the release of more hostages but insists that this was not a directive.

“What I have indicated to him is, that if that’s possible, to get these folks out safely, that’s what he should do. It’s his decision. I did not demand it. I’ve pointed out to him if it’s real, it should be done,” Biden says, adding that the hostages are “in jeopardy.”

“Israel has the right and I would add a responsibility to respond to the slaughter of our people. And we will ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against these terrorists, that’s a guarantee,” Biden says.

As for the potential for a broader regional escalation, Biden says, “We have had troops in the region since 9/11 to go after ISIS… in the region, having nothing to do with Israel at all. My warning to the Ayatollah was that if they continue to move against those troops, we will respond and he should be prepared. It has nothing to do with Israel.”