Biden, "Talked with Netanyahu, Palestinian Clashes Will Calm Soon"

"Israel Has the Right to Defend Itself" Supporting Israel
US State Department Plans to Send Special Envoy for Mediation Between Both Sides... Hamas Expected to Oppose

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As the clashes between Israel and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas enter their third day, resulting in increasing casualties, U.S. President Joe Biden held a phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and expressed hope that the conflict between the two sides would soon calm down. However, concerns are rising that mediation will be difficult as the U.S. has blocked a UN statement aimed at easing tensions and has taken a stance supporting Israel’s right to self-defense.

According to foreign media including CNN on the 12th (local time), President Biden stated at a White House press conference that he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and expressed hope that the clashes between Israel and Palestine would soon subside. On the same day, the fighting between Israel and Hamas entered its third day, with Israel reporting 6 deaths and over 200 injuries, while Palestine reported 56 deaths and over 320 injuries.

President Biden emphasized, "However, Israel has the right to defend itself," showing support for Israel. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also stressed, "There is a clear difference between Hamas, a terrorist organization indiscriminately targeting civilians with rockets, and Israel’s defensive response." U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, revealing details of his call with the Israeli Defense Minister, stated, "The U.S. sends unwavering support for Israel’s right to self-defense."

According to major foreign media, the U.S. has consistently opposed plans to convene the UN Security Council and issue statements aimed at easing tensions between the two sides, maintaining the position that a special envoy should be dispatched for mediation. However, concerns are emerging that mediation efforts may be limited as the U.S. openly supports Israel’s right to self-defense.

The clashes between Israel and Hamas began on the 10th when Israeli authorities approved the so-called "Jerusalem Day" event planned by extremist Jewish groups. Jerusalem Day commemorates Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War and involves a march through the Old City, where major Islamic holy sites and worshippers are concentrated. Despite repeated international calls to cancel the event, Israeli authorities proceeded, leading to large-scale protests in Jerusalem and clashes between Palestinian residents and Israeli security forces, which escalated into the current conflict.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.