From the Liveblog of
Friday, March 8, 2024
Biden urges Israel to protect Gaza civilians, warns against using aid as ‘bargaining chip’
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
After stressing his support for Israel amid the October 7 terror onslaught, US President Joe Biden says that, “Israel has an added burden because Hamas hides and operates among the civilian population.
“But Israel also has a fundamental responsibility to protect innocent civilians in Gaza,” he says.
“This war has taken a greater toll on innocent civilians than all previous wars in Gaza combined. More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed, most of whom are not Hamas,” Biden says.
“Thousands and thousands are innocent women and children. Girls and boys also orphaned. Nearly 2 million more Palestinians under bombardment or displaced. Homes destroyed, neighborhoods in rubble, cities in ruin. Families without food, water, medicine. It’s heartbreaking.”
“To the leadership of Israel I say this: Humanitarian assistance cannot be a secondary consideration or a bargaining chip. Protecting and saving innocent lives has to be a priority,” the US president asserts.
