Joe Biden Says Israel Made A Big Mistake If It Occupied Gaza

WASHINGTON - US President Joe Biden stated that every Israeli action to retake the Gaza Strip was a grave mistake. He disclosed this in an interview released Sunday, October 15, as Israeli forces prepare to invade Gaza.

Israel, which attempted to retaliate against Hamas's sudden attack on October 7, 2023, is determined to kill the Palestinian militant group, by launching a relentless bombing, and ordering more than one million civilians in northern Gaza to move south within 24 hours.

In an interview with CBS 60 Minutes, Joe Biden was asked if he supported the Israeli occupation of Gaza. I think it's a big mistake. Hamas doesn't represent the whole Palestinians," he said.

However, Joe Biden explained, action to kill extremists is a necessary requirement.

Attacks by the Hamas group have killed more than 1,400 people, most civilians. In retaliation, Israel attacks Gaza with a relentless attack that has killed 2,670 Palestinian civilians.

Israel first occupied Gaza in a six-day war in 1967. The region was only fully returned to the hands of the Palestinians in 2005.

A year later, Israel imposed air, land and sea blockades in an area of 140 square miles (362 square km), which also borders Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.

In 2007 Israel tightened the blockade after Hamas took over Gaza from the Fatah secular movement led by Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas.

When asked if Hamas should rest, Joe Biden replied, "Yes. But there must be Palestinian authority. There must be a way to get to the Palestinian state," he continued.

60 Minutes journalist Scott Pelley also asked whether Joe Biden would order US troops to join Israel in the fight against Hamas.

"I don't think that's necessary," replied Joe Biden.

He continued, "Israel has one of the best combat forces in the country. I guarantee we will provide everything they need."