US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday, Oct. 18, that he supports a two-state solution so that Israel and the Palestinian people can both live safely and securely in dignity and peace, as he announced $100 million in humanitarian aid for war-torn Gaza and the West Bank.
Biden made the remarks after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a solidarity visit to Tel Aviv to express support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas-led Palestinian factions.
He stated that “nations of conscience” such as the United States and Israel are not solely measured by their power.
“We are measured by the power of our example, and that’s why as hard as it is, we must keep pursuing peace,” he said.
“We must keep pursuing a path so that Israel and the Palestinian people can both live safely and securely in dignity and in peace,” Biden added.
“For me, that means a two-state solution,” the US President said.
Biden said the recent attacks have fueled his determination to push for a two-state solution.
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“We must keep working for Israel’s greater integration with its neighbours. These attacks have only strengthened my commitment and determination and my will to get that done,” Biden said.
The two-state solution – an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel – has long been advocated as the best way to achieve long-term peace in the volatile region. The two states’ borders, however, are the biggest impediment to a solution.
The 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation said in a statement on Wednesday, Oct. 18, that it supports the embodiment of the independent and sovereign State of Palestine on the borders of June 4, 1967, with its capital, Al-Quds (East Jerusalem).
Later, in a post on X, Biden announced $100 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza and the West Bank, with the goal of assisting over 1 million displaced and conflict-affected Palestinians.
“And we will have mechanisms in place so this aid reaches those in need — not Hamas or terrorist groups,” Biden said.
“Let me make myself clear: The vast majority of Palestinians are not Hamas. And Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people,” he said in another post.
