Biden directs engagement with regional leaders amid escalating Israel-Palestine tensions

US President Joe Biden on Saturday directed his national security team to remain in contact with leaders including those of Egypt, Türkiye, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia after Palestinian operation in Israel.

Speaking at a press conference from the White House, Biden said he spoke with members of Congress, and also directed to his security team to engage with their Israeli counterparts.

"I've also directed my team to remain in constant contact with the leaders throughout the region, including Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, the UAE, as well as our European partners and the Palestinian Authority," said the US president.

He reiterated the US support for Tel Aviv after the attacks on Israel by Palestinian group Hamas, saying the US stands with Israel.

"In this moment of tragedy, I want to say to them, to the world and to terrorists everywhere: The US stands with Israel. We will not ever fail to have their back," said Biden.

Saying that Israel has the right to defend itself and its people, the US president stressed that there is never "justification for terrorist attacks" and his administration's support for Israel's security is "rock solid and unwavering."

"This is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage. The world is watching," he said.

Hamas launched on Saturday Operation Al Aqsa Flood, saying its surprise, multifront attack was in response to the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence. It said it fired rockets and captured many Israelis. Hundreds of Israeli settlers forced their way into the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque complex during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.

In turn, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

At least 232 Palestinians have been killed in the attacks, according to medical sources in Gaza, while Israeli authorities put their death toll at 250.