During a recent phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden expressed deep concern over the deaths of humanitarian workers in Gaza due to Israeli strikes. The White House issued a statement shortly after the conversation, labeling the situation as 'unacceptable'.
Biden emphasized the need for Israel to take immediate and specific actions to alleviate civilian harm, address humanitarian suffering, and ensure the safety of aid workers. The US readout of the call highlighted the importance of Israel announcing and implementing measurable steps to address these critical issues.
The White House underscored that US policy towards Gaza would be contingent on Israel's response and actions in addressing the humanitarian crisis. Biden made it clear that the US would closely monitor Israel's progress on these fronts before determining its next steps.
Furthermore, President Biden stressed the urgency of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the necessity of bringing an end to the hostilities. He urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to expedite negotiations to secure the release of hostages and work towards a peaceful resolution.
In addition to discussing the situation in Gaza, the leaders also addressed Iran's threats against Israel. President Biden reassured Israel of the United States' unwavering support in the face of these threats, reaffirming the strong bond between the two nations.
The phone call between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu signals a heightened focus on resolving the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and de-escalating tensions in the region. The international community will be closely watching Israel's response to Biden's calls for concrete actions to address the ongoing crisis.
