Earlier this week, media reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the United States that he opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of any post-war scenario in Gaza.
"Yes, given the right one," Biden said on Friday when asked if he thinks Netanyahu can change his mind on his opposition to a two-state solution.
Biden also said he thinks he can persuade Netanyahu to support a two-state solution.
Earlier in the day, the White House said Biden and Netanyahu had a telephone call where the US president discussed his vision of a two state-solution that also guarantees Israel’s security.
On October 7, 2023, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip, while its fighters breached the border, opening fire on the military and civilians. As a result, over 1,200 people in Israel were killed and some 240 others abducted. Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza and launched a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. Over 24,600 people have been killed so far in Gaza as a result of Israeli strikes, local authorities said.
On November 24, Qatar mediated a deal between Israel and Hamas on a temporary truce and the exchange of some of the prisoners and hostages, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire was extended several times and expired on December 1.
