US won't support Gaza reoccupation by Israel

The US said it will not support the reoccupation of Gaza Strip by Israel after the ongoing violence ends, a White House spokesperson said.

US President Joe Biden believes "a reoccupation by Israeli forces of Gaza is not the right thing to do,” White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.

Israel forces and settlers left Gaza after decades of occupation in 2005, but maintained a blockade on the strip Israel said was necessary to ensure its security.

The United Nations and human rights organisations believe the blockade, which is also enforced by Egypt, is a form of occupation and has turned Gaza into "the largest “open-air prison" for its two million residents.

The White House spokesperson's remarks come after...