In a recent phone conversation, Pope Francis expressed his support for the United States' strategy in the Israel-Hamas conflict, according to President Biden.
The President made this announcement at an economic event near the White House on Monday, stating, "The pope and I are on the same page."
President Biden, the second Catholic president of the United States, explained to the reporters present that Pope Francis showed keen interest in the U.S.'s approach to the ongoing crisis in Israel. "He was very, very interested in what we were doing to deal with some of the crises that we are facing, particularly in Israel this time around," Biden said.
He further added, "And I laid out to him what the game plan was, how we thought we should be providing the kind of assistance to Israel that they needed. And the pope was across the board supportive of what were doing."
Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for peace in the region, urging an end to the war as the Israeli government strives to terminate Hamas' control over Gaza. The Pope has also appealed for increased humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians and the release of over 200 hostages by Hamas.
President Biden has taken credit for persuading Egypt and Israel to allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza through a previously closed Egyptian border crossing. The octogenarian President has been a staunch supporter of Israel's right to combat the terrorist group. He demonstrated this support with a visit to Tel Aviv last week, following a surprise attack by Hamas on southern Israeli communities on October 7, which resulted in the death of over 1,400 people, including 32 US citizens.
Last week, Biden also requested Congress to approve $14.3 billion for arming Israel's military with both defensive and offensive weapons. However, according to reports by The New York Times and Fox News, the US has privately urged Israel to halt its planned ground invasion to facilitate the negotiated release of more hostages.
On Friday, President Biden seemed to publicly endorse a pause in Israel's invasion plans. However, a spokesperson later clarified that the President "didnt hear the full question" and did not intend to communicate that stance.
Last week, Pope Francis stated, "I call on all believers to take only one side in this conflict that of peace, not with words but with prayer. The victims are increasing, and the situation in Gaza is desperate. May please everything, everything, be done to avoid a humanitarian disaster, and its possible that this war might grow. War does not solve any problems. It only sows death and destruction.
White House spokesman John Kirby revealed on Monday that up to 10 Americans might still be held hostage in Gaza. Two were released on Friday, and Hamas released two more hostages, both Israeli citizens, on Monday.
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