President Biden and several Western allies issued a joint statement on Sunday expressing their unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself amid ongoing attacks from Hamas terrorists.
The leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, France President Emmanuel Macron, Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, emphasized the importance of Israel’s adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians during the conflict.
The statement also welcomed the recent release of two hostages by Hamas and urged the immediate freedom of all remaining hostages. The Americans Judith and Natalie Raanan, a mother-daughter duo, were among those released following Qatari mediation efforts after being taken from the Nahal Oz kibbutz in southern Israel near the Gaza Strip.
The leaders discussed their commitment to providing humanitarian aid to the region, particularly to Gaza, and expressed support for the arrival of the first aid convoys in the area. They pledged to work closely with regional partners to ensure safe access to essential resources like food, water, medical care, and other humanitarian assistance for the residents of Gaza.
These developments come after President Biden’s conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the day, focusing on humanitarian aid efforts for Gaza and initiatives to secure the release of over 200 people, including U.S. citizens, held hostage by Hamas. The international community continues to closely monitor the situation and coordinate efforts to address the pressing humanitarian needs in the region.