Biden and Oman’s Sultan Discussions
On Saturday, United States President Joe Biden phoned Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq AI Said, according to a White House press release. The two leaders spoke about the situation in Gaza and the need for an uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid.
Moreover, Biden and Al Said talked about the importance of civilian protection amid the ongoing Hamas-Israel war. The two agreed that there was a need for Israel to respond to Hamas’ October 7 attack in a way that aligned with international humanitarian law.
The leaders also put emphasis on the importance of blocking militia groups from expanding the current war. Additionally, they also want talks that could lead to sustained peace among the Middle East countries to be initiated.
US Troops Respond to Recent Attacks
Since Biden expressed his support for Israel’s response to the Hamas assault, US troops in the Middle East, especially in Iraq and Syria, have been attacked severally by militia groups backed by Iran. In response to these attacks, United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Sunday that American forces had on Saturday launched multiple strikes on a safe house and a training facility used by Iranian-backed militia organization Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Austin said American soldiers would launch similar attacks on any Middle East-based terror group that comes after the troops.
US President Holds Talks With Qatar Leader
Besides calling Oman’s Sultan, the United States President also reached out to Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad AI Thani over the weekend and talked about the 240 people that Hamas is holding hostage. Per the White House press release, Biden condemned Hamas for taking captive several young children, including a 3-year-old boy whom the terrorists killed his parents.
Moreover, the US President thanked Qatar for mediating a deal that saw the release of four captives in October, two of whom were Americans. Biden also appreciated the Gulf Cooperation Council for its $100 million humanitarian aid package to help suffering Gazans. His administration made a similar contribution last month.
Biden told AI Thani he was committed to ensuring his vision for Palestinians and Israelis living in peace and harmony is achieved.
