Biden conveyed this message during an interview with CBS on Sunday, emphasizing that a reoccupation of the Gaza Strip would be a "significant error."

This statement from the U.S. President comes at a time when Israeli troops are preparing for a ground invasion of the region. He expressed his belief that Israeli forces would make efforts to minimize harm to civilian populations and take measures to prevent a severe humanitarian crisis in the Strip.

In response to the horrifying events and Israel's reaction, Biden said, "I believe Israel needs to respond. They need to target Hamas. Hamas is using civilians as shields, which is an act of cowardice."

Regarding the need to confront the extremists, he added that it is a "necessary step." When asked if Hamas should be completely eliminated, he responded affirmatively, saying, "Yes, I do."

However, when asked about supporting any Israeli occupation of Gaza, Biden replied, "I believe it would be a significant mistake."

“Look, what happened in Gaza, in my view, is Hamas, and the extreme elements of Hamas, don’t represent all the Palestinian people. And I think that it would be a mistake for Israel to occupy Gaza again.”

Israel gained control of the Gaza Strip during the 1967 Six Day War where they unilaterally withdrew from the region in 2005, allowing the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority to assume control of the territory.

A year after this withdrawal, in reaction to rocket attacks, Israel imposed a comprehensive blockade including control over airspace, land, and sea access to the 140-square-mile (362-square-kilometer) area. The Gaza Strip is additionally bordered by Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.