'Hamas a bunch of cowards hiding behind civilians': Joe Biden

Washington: US President Joe Biden has called Hamas a "bunch of cowards" who are hiding behind the civilians.

Speaking to CBS News 60 Minutes Interview, Joe Biden expressed confidence that Israel would do everything in their power to avoid the killing of innocent civilians.

Differences in the Israeli-Hamas Conflict: Joe Biden

Asked whether there was a time for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Biden said, "Look, there's a fundamental difference. Israel is going after a group of people who have engaged in barbarism that is as consequential as the Holocaust. And so I think Israel has to respond."

"They have to go after Hamas. Hamas is a bunch of cowards. They're hiding behind the civilians. They put their headquarters where civilians are and buildings and the like. But to the extent they can separate out and avoid, I'm confident the Israelis are gonna do everything in their power to avoid the killing of innocent civilians," he said in a CBS News 60 Minutes interview.

Biden's Support for Israel

Regarding his support for Israel, Biden said, "The Jews have been subject to abuse, prejudice, and attempts to wipe them out for, oh, God, over a thousand years. For me, it's about decency, respect, honour. it's just simply wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong. It violates every religious principle I have and every way and every single principle my father taught me."

Hamas Tactics and the Call for Elimination

Biden said that Hamas must be eliminated. However, he stressed that there needs to be a path called the "two-state solution." Asked whether he believes Israel would support it, he said, "Not now, not now." However, Biden said that he thinks Israel understands that a significant portion of Palestinian people do not share the views of Hamas and Hezbollah, CBS News reported.

(With ANI inputs)