President Joe Biden said he expects all US citizens who want to leave Gaza to be able to do so by the end of the day, as he announced a plan to create a safe corridor through Egypt with the help of international partners.

Biden announces evacuation of US citizens from Gaza

Today, thanks to American leadership, we secured safe passage for wounded Palestinians and for foreign nationals to exit Gaza.

We expect American citizens to exit today, and we expect to see more depart over the coming days.

We won't let up working to get Americans out of Gaza.

— President Biden (@POTUS) November 1, 2023

President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he expects all US citizens who want to leave Gaza to be able to do so by the end of the day, as he announced a plan to create a safe corridor through Egypt with the help of international partners.

Egypt’s role in the evacuation

Biden said he spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and thanked him for his cooperation in facilitating the evacuation of Americans and other foreign nationals from the war-torn Gaza Strip, where Israel is conducting a ground offensive against Hamas militants.

“I appreciate President Sisi’s leadership and his willingness to work with us on this urgent humanitarian issue,” Biden said at a press conference. “We are working closely with Egypt, Israel, and other countries in the region to ensure the safety and security of our citizens and those who need our help.”

Biden said the US has deployed military and diplomatic personnel to assist with the evacuation, which he said is voluntary and not mandatory. He said the US has also provided $100 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and urged Israel to minimize civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.

US support for Israel’s right to self-defense

“We stand by Israel’s right to defend itself from these horrific attacks by Hamas, but we also call on Israel to do everything possible to protect innocent lives and avoid further escalation,” Biden said. “We are committed to a two-state solution that ensures the dignity and security of both Israelis and Palestinians.”

Biden said he hopes the evacuation will pave the way for a ceasefire and a diplomatic resolution of the conflict, which has killed more than 2,000 people and displaced more than 200,000 since it erupted on Oct. 10.

US vision for peace in the region

“We are not giving up on peace,” Biden said. “We are not giving up on our commitment to the people of Gaza and Israel. We are not giving up on our vision of a better future for both sides.”

Biden said he has instructed his Secretary of State Antony Blinken to lead a diplomatic effort to engage with regional and international partners to support the peace process. He said he has also asked his National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to coordinate with the UN and other humanitarian agencies to provide relief and assistance to the people of Gaza.

Biden said he will continue to work with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett of Israel and President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine to advance the prospects of a lasting peace in the region.

“I believe that we can achieve a just and lasting peace that respects the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians,” Biden said. “But it will require courage, compromise, and leadership from all sides. And it will require the support of the international community. The United States is ready to play its part.”

FAQs

Q: What is the main topic of the article?

A: The article covers the latest developments on the 26th day of the Israel-Hamas war, including the aftermath of the deadly Israeli attack on Gaza’s Jabalia refugee camp that killed dozens of people, as well as the latest deadly confrontations in the West Bank.

Q: How many people were killed in the Israeli attack on Jabalia refugee camp?

A: According to the director of the nearby Indonesian Hospital, at least 50 people were killed, including 19 relatives of an Al Jazeera staff member, and many others wounded.

Q: What did President Biden say about the evacuation of US citizens from Gaza?

A: Biden said he expects all US citizens who want to leave Gaza to be able to do so by the end of the day, as he announced a plan to create a safe corridor through Egypt with the help of international partners. He also thanked Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for his cooperation in facilitating the evacuation.

Q: What is the situation of the hospitals in Gaza?

A: The Palestinian health ministry spokesman gave a “final warning” to the world, saying the main generators at two key Gaza hospitals are “hours away” from being completely shut down. This would affect the lives of hundreds of patients, including those in intensive care units and operating rooms.

Q: What is the US position on the conflict and the peace process?

A: The US supports Israel’s right to defend itself from Hamas attacks, but also calls on Israel to minimize civilian casualties and avoid further escalation. The US is committed to a two-state solution that ensures the dignity and security of both Israelis and Palestinians. The US is also leading a diplomatic effort to engage with regional and international partners to support the peace process.

Read Israeli Airstrikes Destroy Mosque and Homes in Nuseirat Camp