Israel-Palestine conflict: US President Biden warns Israel that any occupation of Gaza would be a “big mistake"

File photo/AFP

In a televised interview on U.S. television, President Joe Biden issued a stern warning to Israel, cautioning against any potential occupation of Gaza, branding it a "big mistake." The President also voiced his support for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to allow Gazans to evacuate the conflict zone and for much-needed aid to reach the region, Al Jazeera reported.

Biden's statement came amid escalating tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly following a surprise attack launched by Hamas on Israel on October 7. The President underscored the need to address the security concerns in the region and "eliminate" the threat posed by Hamas.

The United Nations humanitarian office (OCHA) issued a dire warning regarding the dwindling fuel reserves in Gaza hospitals, stating that they are likely to run out within the next 24 hours, the report said. This crisis could exacerbate the already dire situation in the densely populated Palestinian territory, which has been witnessing a sustained Israeli bombing campaign, it added.

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) characterized the Israeli airstrikes as having created an "unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe." The agency's plea for international assistance to address the growing crisis has become increasingly urgent.

Israel has mobilized thousands of troops, tanks, and weaponry along the border fence with Gaza, leading to mounting concerns of an imminent ground invasion.

Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, expressed Tehran's concerns over the intensifying conflict and cautioned both Israel and the United States about the potential for substantial losses if the war between Israel and Hamas escalates further.

Also read: Packed Gaza hospitals warn thousands could die

US State Department: Situation at Rafah Crossing ‘fluid and unpredictable'

Meanwhile, the US State Department has issued an advisory on the anticipated opening of the Rafah Crossing in southern Gaza Strip, saying that the situation at the border gate "will remain fluid and unpredictable".

In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, the US said it is "unclear" how long the travelers will be permitted to transit the crossing by Egypt.

"If you assess it to be safe, you may wish to move closer to the Rafah border crossing - there may be very little notice if the crossing opens and it may only open for a limited time."

Earlier, it was announced that the border crossing would open at 0600 GMT (9am in the Palestinian territories and Israel) on Monday, to allow foreigners, including at least 600 Americans to pass through.

A vast majority of the 2.3 million Palestinians living in Gaza are barred from crossing the border gate despite safety threats due to the ongoing Israeli bombardment. (With inputs from Agencies)