Amidst reports of an imminent ground invasion of Gaza by Israel, President Joe Biden has said that Israel can make its own decisions, as the US firmly backs its ally while urging caution. The latest conflict was triggered by unprecedented attacks against Israel by Hamas militants on October 7, killing more than 1,400 people. Israel has launched a massive counter-offensive against the Islamic militant group that has ruled Gaza since 2007.

Biden made the comment on Tuesday in response to a question while posing for a picture with the visiting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. 'Are you urging Israel to delay its ground invasion?' Biden was asked, to which he replied, 'The Israelis can make their own decisions.' Last week, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant laid out the Jewish nation's plan to change the 'security regime" in Gaza-- implying Hamas' removal-- and said the plan was designed in three stages.