Biden warns against 'full-scale war' in Lebanon, says now 'time to end Gaza war'
U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday urged a diplomatic solution as Israel strikes Hezbollah targets, warning against a "full-scale war" in Lebanon.
"Full-scale war is not in anyone's interest. Even though the situation has escalated, a diplomatic solution is still possible," Biden said in an address to the UN General Assembly.
Biden urged Israel and Hamas to finalize a months-old ceasefire proposal, telling the United Nations he was committed to ending the Gaza war.
"Now is the time for the parties to finalize its terms," he said of the deal brokered by the United States, Qatar and Egypt.
The deal will "bring the hostages home and secure security for Israel and Gaza free from Hamas's grip, ease the suffering in Gaza and end this war," Biden told the U.N. General Assembly.
24 September 2024, 19:20
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Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Biden says that the families of captives held by Hamas and the civilians in Gaza are “going through hell”, but defended Israel’s right to defend itself.
“Any country, any country, would have the right responsibility to ensure that such an attack could never happen again,” Biden said, referring to the October 7 attacks on southern Israel before turning to the situation in Gaza.
“Innocent civilians in Gaza are also going through hell. Thousands and thousands killed, including aid workers. Too many families dislocated, crowded in a tent, facing a dire situation,” he said. “They didn’t ask for this war.”
Biden also said he was “determined to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire region” and called on Israel and Hamas to accept a ceasefire deal introduced by the US in May. [Al Jazeera]
24 September 2024, 19:23
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Biden told the UN that US B-52's were "standing by, ready to help". Vice President Harris later said, "our B-52's will help a friend in need, as always."
Former President Trump said he did not rule out the use of B-52's.
