US and EU Discuss Support for Israel and Ukraine... Biden Says "Relief Trucks Will Arrive in Gaza Within Two Days"

U.S. President Joe Biden stated on the 20th (local time) that relief trucks could arrive in the Palestinian Gaza Strip within the next two days.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

President Biden said before a meeting at the White House with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in response to reporters' questions, "I have received a promise from the presidents of Israel and Egypt that the roads will be opened." He added, "The highway conditions are very poor and need to be repaved," and expressed confidence that "trucks will cross the border within the next 24 to 48 hours."

During the meeting with the EU leadership, President Biden discussed current issues including the war in Israel triggered by the invasion of the Palestinian armed group Hamas, as well as support measures for the prolonged war in Ukraine. In a joint statement, they mentioned the Middle East and Ukraine, affirming, "We are more united than ever," and also expressed concerns about issues including the South and East China Sea, human rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, and the close relationship between China and Russia.

Regarding the major economic issue between the two sides, steel product trade negotiations, they mentioned, "Substantial progress has been made, and we expect important advances in the coming months." The dispute over trade in these products began when the Trump administration imposed tariffs of 25% on foreign steel and 10% on aluminum in 2018.

In his opening remarks, President Biden said, "Today we are together to discuss the issues of Israel and Ukraine," and expressed hope to "continue a full partnership on clean energy, steel and aluminum issues, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and more."

President Michel emphasized, "We condemn Hamas's attack on Israel," and stated, "Israel has the right to defend itself, and this must be done in accordance with international human rights law." President von der Leyen said, "We appreciate President Biden’s impressive visit to Israel," and pointed out, "We stand with Israel against terrorism. At the same time, Palestinians are also suffering from Hamas, and humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip is important."

President Biden requested an emergency security budget of $105 billion from Congress on the same day to support Israel and Ukraine. In a national address the previous day, he emphasized the importance of support for Israel and Ukraine, stating, "If international conflicts continue, the conflict and chaos will spread to other parts of the world."

Meanwhile, the White House reported that President Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the same day and reaffirmed support for Israel. The two leaders also discussed humanitarian aid issues for the Gaza Strip and exchanged views on efforts to rescue hostages held by Hamas.