WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. President Joe Biden will visit Israel this week as fighting continues along the Gaza Strip.
In a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Biden said he’d travel to the country on Wednesday to stand in solidarity in the face of what he called “Hamas’s brutal terrorist attack.”
“I’ll then travel to Jordan to address dire humanitarian needs, meet with leaders and make clear that Hamas does not stand for Palestinians’ right to self-determination,” he said.
The White House confirmed Biden will consult with leaders, including King Abdullah, Egyptian President Sisi, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, on next steps.
Palestinian militants led by Hamas launched a large-scale invasion against Israel nearly two weeks ago from the Gaza Strip, killing thousands and taking several hostages.
Western leaders, including Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have condemned the attacks.
Both have said they support Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas.
Biden said in a separate post on X that an attack on one group of people is an attack on all individuals.
“In America, hate will not prevail,” he said.
“Venom and violence against any one community cannot – and will not – be the story of our time.”