US presidential debate: Trump urges Biden to let Israelis 'finish the job' in Gaza war

CAIRO – 28 June 2024: Former US President Donald Trump has criticized President Joe Biden for allegedly restraining Israeli leaders during the Gaza war and failing to show adequate support for their efforts.

During the presidential debate with Biden on CNN on Thursday, Trump stated, "You should let them go and let them finish the job."

Trump went on to suggest that Biden's reluctance to take action stemmed from him becoming “a Palestinian”. He claimed, "But they don't like him because he is a bad Palestinian."

When asked about his stance on recognizing a Palestinian state, Trump responded, "I will have to see."

In defense of his pro-Israel position, Biden reaffirmed unwavering US support for Tel Aviv during the Gaza war "so that they get Hamas like we did Bin Laden."

He stated, "We're providing Israel with all the weapons they need... We're the biggest producer of support for Israel... We'll continue to send our experts and intelligence personnel."

Biden emphasized that while the US offers comprehensive assistance to Israel, there are certain weapons, such as the 2,000-lb. bombs, that they withheld due to their destructive impact on populated areas.

“They kill a lot of innocent people,” Biden said in reference to these bombs.

Support to Israel

The US has supported Israel's war in Gaza from its inception.

The war was initiated in response to an attack by Hamas on Israeli cities on October 7, through which the Islamic movement captured over 250 Israeli individuals.

The ongoing Israeli offensive has inflicted a heavy toll on civilians, causing tens of thousands of casualties, displacing the majority of the 2.3 million population, and pushing the strip towards famine.

Despite calls for a ceasefire from the international community, the UN Security Council, and a US offer announced by Biden in late May, the war continues.

The US argues that Hamas is the party prolonging the conflict.

However, Hamas has repeatedly expressed its willingness to consider a ceasefire proposal on the condition that it guarantees a permanent end to Israeli hostilities and the unconditional return of displaced individuals to their homes.

The war, which has now entered its ninth month with limited objections and weak reservations from most Western nations, has resulted in the deaths of 37,765 Palestinians and the injury of 86,429, according to Gaza's health ministry.