Biden addresses 'challenge of Putin and Hamas' in op-ed
In an opinion piece published by the Washington Post on Saturday, President Joe Biden drew similarities between the conflicts involving President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine and the terrorist group Hamas in the Middle East and outlined how his administration is addressing both.
"Both Putin and Hamas are fighting to wipe a neighboring democracy off the map. And both Putin and Hamas hope to collapse broader regional stability and integration and take advantage of the ensuing disorder," Biden wrote. "America cannot, and will not, let that happen. For our own national security interests -- and for the good of the entire world."
Biden reiterated his support for Israel but also acknowledged the ongoing suffering taking place in Gaza and the need for a two-state solution.
"A two-state solution -- two peoples living side by side with equal measures of freedom, opportunity and dignity -- is where the road to peace must lead," Biden wrote. "Reaching it will take commitments from Israelis and Palestinians, as well as from the United States and our allies and partners. That work must start now."
The president laid out principles to establish the future of the Palestinians post-war that include no reoccupation, no blockades, no reduction of territory, and the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank.
Biden said his administration is still diligently working to free the remaining hostages and that he is still pushing for humanitarian pauses "to permit civilians to depart areas of active fighting and to help ensure that aid reaches those in need."
-ABC News' Tia Humphries