US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday he believes Israel needs to defend its citizens while protecting innocent civilians in Gaza who are victims of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

“Israel has to do everything in its power, as difficult as it is, to protect innocent civilians,” Biden said during a press conference as part of a White House visit by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Biden also said the region must prepare for the end of the Israeli-Hamas conflict and “what comes next.” and that the US maintained its position on a “two-state solution” for Israelis and Palestinians.

Biden also expressed concern about “extremist settlers” attacking Palestinians in the West Bank, accusing them of adding fuel to the fire.

“They’re attacking Palestinians in places that they’re entitled to be,” he said

‘Wide-scale’ strikes

Israel on Wednesday said it conducted “wide-scale” strikes against Hamas strongholds and again warned Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to flee south before its threatened invasion.

Among the targets of Israel’s latest barrage was a Hamas group it said was responsible for blockages that have prevented Palestinians in Gaza from moving to the southern part of the territory, the military’s chief spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, told reporters.

He said Hamas was using schools, hospitals and homes to hide, and added that people would be able to return home once the fighting ends.