Joe Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu discuss two-state solution amid ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict
US President Joe Biden on Friday said he spoke with Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu over the possible two-state solutions for the ongoing Gaza conflict.
According to reports, Joe Biden said the creation of an independent Palestine state is not impossible when Netanyahu is in office.
“No it’s not,” Biden was quoted as saying to media by The Times of Israel when he was asked whether a two-state solution was impossible with Netanyahu still in office.
As per a White House statement, the two leaders discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas.
"The President and the Prime Minister reviewed the situation in Gaza and the shift to targeted operations that will enable the flow of increasing amounts of humanitarian assistance while keeping the military pressure on Hamas and its leaders," read the statement.
During the interaction, Biden welcomed the decision from the Government of Israel to permit the shipment of flour for the Palestinian people directly through Ashdod port.
On the two-state solution issue, the statement read: "The President also discussed his vision for a more durable peace and security for Israel fully integrated within the region and a two state-solution with Israel’s security guaranteed."
What is a two-state solution?
The two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict envisions an independent State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel, west of the Jordan River.
How did the conflict between Israel and Hamas begin?
Hamas members attacked Israeli towns on October 7, 2023, leaving 1200 people dead.