The US president has made a rare critical statement about Israeli settlers in the West Bank, saying they are “attacking Palestinians,” AFP and Sky News reported.

Joe Biden has repeatedly stated that Israel must protect itself from Hamas while protecting the innocent civilians of Gaza.

“I continue to be concerned about extremist settlers attacking Palestinians in the West Bank,” Biden said during a news conference. “They attack Palestinians where they have a right to be.”

He also said the region must prepare for an end to the conflict and “what comes next,” adding that the U.S. stands by its position on a “two-state solution” for Israelis and Palestinians.

In the occupied West Bank, more than 100 Palestinians have been killed and 1,650 injured in Israeli violence and raids since October 7, according to the Hamas Health Ministry.

Biden says he “didn’t ask” Netanyahu to delay ground offensive in Gaza

US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he has not “asked” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay a possible ground offensive in Gaza until hostages held by Hamas are released.

“No. It’s their decision, but I didn’t ask for it,” he said in response to questions at a news conference. “I told him if it was possible to get these people out safely, that’s what he should do.”