Violence in the West Bank
Biden concerned about attacks by “extremist settlers”
October 26, 2023, 2:38 a.m
Since the start of the war between Hamas and Israel, the situation in the West Bank has also become more dire. US President Biden disapproves of settler attacks on Palestinians. At the same time, he calls for the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip.
US President Joe Biden has expressed concern about “extremist” settlers in the West Bank and condemned violence against Palestinians. “I remain concerned about attacks by extremist settlers on Palestinians in the West Bank,” Biden said at a news conference. “This has to stop now.” Such attacks are like pouring gasoline on a fire, Biden said. According to the UN human rights office, violence by armed Israeli settlers against Palestinians is increasing. According to the Ministry of Health in Ramallah, 101 people are said to have been killed since Hamas’ attack on Israel – but this also includes clashes with the Israeli military.
Biden reiterated that Israel has the right and responsibility to respond to attacks by Hamas terrorists. “But that does not diminish the need to act in accordance with the laws of war. Israel must do everything in its power to protect innocent civilians, however difficult that may be,” warned the US President. Israel should focus on “prosecuting the people who are propagating this war against Israel.”
Biden contradicted reports that he had called on Israel to postpone a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip. “It’s your decision,” said the US President. He simply pointed out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “that if it is possible to bring these people to safety, he should do exactly that.”
Referring to the casualty figures published by Gaza’s ruling Hamas, Biden said he had “no confidence” in these statistics. According to the latest Hamas figures, 6,546 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the Israeli attacks began. However, these statements cannot be verified.
UN raises alarm about fuel shortage
The UN warns that it may soon have to suspend its work in the Gaza Strip due to a lack of fuel. The fuels are particularly necessary for operating generators in hospitals and for trucking relief supplies. The World Health Organization (WHO) said six hospitals in the Gaza Strip were now closed due to a lack of fuel.
Israel has so far checked four convoys with aid supplies and allowed them into the Gaza Strip. However, fuel trucks will not be allowed through. Israel views diesel and gasoline as dual-use goods, i.e. those that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. When the UN Palestinian relief agency UNRWA warned on Tuesday about the consequences of the fuel shortage, the Israeli military responded with an aerial photo, which purports to show fuel tanks in the Gaza Strip. Apparently half a million liters of fuel are stored there. “Ask Hamas if you can get something out of it,” the military wrote.