Ammon News - President Joe Biden said Wednesday he "did not demand" Israel delay a ground incursion of Gaza in an effort to protect hostages and keep humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza.

"What I have indicated to [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] is that, if it's possible, to get these folks out safely that's what he should do. It's their decision. I did not demand it," Biden said.

"Obviously, they're in jeopardy," Biden said of the hostages. "The question is whether or not there's any way of getting them out. If we can get them out, we should get them out."

"There's no going back to status quo as it stood on October the 6th," Biden said on Wednesday, referencing the eve of the terrorist attacks on Israel that claimed more than 1,400 lives.

Biden underscored the administration's support of a two-state solution which would establish an independent Palestinian homeland alongside Israel and said it would take cooperation from all sides to turn that vision into a reality.

"It means a concentrated effort from all of the parties, the Israelis, the Palestinians, regional partners, global leaders, to put us on a path toward peace," Biden said.

"I have no notion that the Palestinians are telling the truth about how many people are killed. I'm sure innocents have been killed, and it's the price of waging a war," Biden said.

ABC