US President Biden met with Pope Francis and Netanyahu
It was reported that US President Biden had a telephone conversation with the Pope and Netanyahu. The statement reported that Biden “condemned the barbaric attack by Hamas against Israeli civilians and emphasized the need to protect civilians in Gaza” during his meeting with the Pope, and that the two leaders agreed on the need to avoid an escalation of tension in the region and work for permanent peace in the Middle East.
In his meeting with Netanyahu, Biden stated that he “welcomed the two humanitarian aid convoys sent for Palestinians in need in Gaza” and that the two leaders confirmed that humanitarian aid to Gaza would continue.
CALL TO HAMAS “RELEASE THE HOSTAGES”
The statement stated that Biden expressed gratitude for Israel’s support in the release of two American citizens held hostage, and that Biden and Netanyahu agreed to “release all hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens, and those who want leave Gaza.” He was quoted as speaking of “ongoing efforts to ensure the safe passage of U.S. citizens and other civilians.”
Biden also stated in his statement on his social media account.
ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT
Hamas’s armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, launched a comprehensive attack against Israel on the morning of October 7, called the “Aqsa Flood.”
As thousands of rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel, Palestinian armed groups attacked and seized the Beit Hanun-Erez border gate on the Gaza-Israel border.
Armed groups then entered settlements inside Israel from here and the Israeli army launched an attack on the Gaza Strip with dozens of fighter jets.
It was reported that 1,400 Israelis, including 306 soldiers, were killed and 5,132 Israelis were wounded in the attacks carried out from Gaza.
The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza announced that 4,651 people, including 1,873 children and 1,023 women, were killed and 14,245 people were injured in Israel’s attacks on Gaza.
It was claimed that 90 Palestinians were killed in attacks by Israeli forces and Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank.
18 journalists lost their lives in Israel’s attacks on Gaza.
In clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah on the Israel-Lebanon border since October 8, 24 Hezbollah members and 4 civilians, including a journalist, lost their lives.
Three Israeli soldiers and one Israeli civilian lost their lives in the attacks carried out by Lebanon.