President Joe Biden said an Israeli occupation of Gaza would be a “big mistake” and that there must be a “path to a Palestinian state” in the wake of the ongoing deadly conflict between Israel and Hamas.
“I think it’d be a big mistake,” Biden said on CBS’ “60 Minutes” broadcast Sunday evening. CBS spoke to Biden on Thursday.
The president added that Hamas does not represent all Palestinians and affirmed that the group must be “eliminated entirely.” However, Biden also said there must be a “Palestinian authority” and a “path to a Palestinian state.”
Last weekend, Hamas launched deadly terrorist attacks on Israel that killed more than 1,400 people, including children. Israel is now waging a massive counteroffensive, launching airstrikes in Hamas-controlled territory and preparing for a ground offensive.
“Can you foresee U.S. troops in combat in this new Middle East war?” CBS News reporter Scott Pelley asked.
“I don’t think that’s necessary,”…