As a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas nears implementation, U.S. President Joe Biden has shared insights into his initial discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. In an interview with MSNBC on January 16, 2025, Biden recounted advising
Netanyahu: "We'll help you, but I made it clear: 'Bibi, you can't carpet-bomb Gaza.
Netanyahu reportedly drew parallels to World War II, referencing the Allied bombings of Berlin and the atomic bombings in Japan. Biden countered by highlighting the establishment of the United Nations as a means to address such conflicts differently.
When questioned about whether Netanyahu delayed truce negotiations and hostage releases for political advantage, Biden dismissed the notion, stating he did not believe that was Netanyahu's intention.
Biden also acknowledged the complexity of Hamas's tunnel network under Gaza, describing it as "impressive" and a significant challenge in combating the group. He suggested that dismantling the entrances to these tunnels is one of the ways to counter Hamas effectively.
These revelations shed light on the diplomatic exchanges and challenges faced during the early stages of the Gaza conflict, emphasizing the complexities involved in balancing military actions with humanitarian considerations.
