U.S. Reaffirms Commitment to Two-State Solution in Israel-Palestine Conflict

In the wake of a significant escalation in the Israel-Palestine conflict, the Biden administration is reinforcing its dedication to a two-state solution. John Kirby, the National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, delivered this message during an interview on “CBS Mornings,” just four days after a large-scale attack by Hamas militants on Israel. Kirby expressed the administration’s unwavering support for the Israeli people’s right to self-defense and security in the face of these recent attacks. He acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the need to ensure the Israeli population’s safety.

John Kirby reiterated President Biden’s belief in the two-state solution, which envisions an independent state for both Palestine and Israel. He emphasized that this path remains the best approach for achieving peace and security in the tumultuous Middle East. The U.S. has been actively pursuing this goal since the beginning of the Biden administration and will continue to do so.

The recent Hamas assault on Israel has resulted in a significant loss of life, with over 1,600 casualties reported. Tragically, at least 11 Americans have been among the casualties, and the number of American casualties is expected to rise. Kirby expressed concerns about the possibility that some of the unaccounted-for Americans might be held hostage by Hamas, underlining the Biden administration’s commitment to the safety and security of American citizens abroad.

Hamas is a long-designated terrorist organization by both Israel and the United States, and they are believed to be holding numerous hostages following their attack. In response, Israel has imposed a “complete siege” on the Gaza Strip, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing that Israel would exact a price that Hamas and its allies would remember for decades to come.

Despite the focus on providing Israel with the necessary support for self-defense and counteroffensive actions, John Kirby stressed that the United States does not want to witness further harm to innocent civilians on either side of the conflict. He pointed out the shared values, interests, and belief in the rule of law that both the U.S. and Israel hold, highlighting the strength that derives from observing these principles together.

In conclusion, the United States remains committed to pursuing a two-state solution to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict, even in the face of recent escalations. The Biden administration stands firmly by the right of the Israeli people to self-defense and safety while also prioritizing the protection of American citizens overseas. The situation remains complex, and the pursuit of peace and stability in the Middle East continues to be a top priority.

This article was first published on October 10, 2023, and is presented without copyright restrictions.