By: ATN News
In a recent op-ed published in the Washington Post, President Joe Biden has conveyed the imperative of establishing a unified governance structure in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, signaling a significant stride towards the longstanding goal of a two-state solution.
Biden's Stance on Hamas
President Biden has underscored a crucial prerequisite for this unification – the removal of Hamas from power in Gaza. Since its ascendance in 2007 following an Israeli military operation, the Islamist organization has maintained control. Biden emphasized the necessity of a future free from forced displacement of Palestinians, reoccupation, siege, blockade, or territorial reduction.
U.S. Measures against Extremist Violence
Against a backdrop of escalating extremist violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, President Biden issued a warning about the United States' determination to take decisive actions. These measures include visa bans targeting extremists. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), incidents since October 7 have resulted in eight Palestinians killed and 74 injured by Israeli settlers, with an additional 19 killed by Israeli military forces.
International Support for Gaza
Highlighting the urgent need for global backing for post-crisis Gaza, President Biden proposed the incorporation of temporary security measures and a reconstruction mechanism. He stressed the importance of eliminating terrorist threats from both Gaza and the West Bank to ensure lasting peace in the region.
President Biden's overall stance suggests a potential shift in the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East. While acknowledging the challenges on the path to a unified Palestinian Authority, his commitment to a peaceful two-state solution provides a beacon of hope for the region.