President Biden expressed his concerns to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza during a phone call, warning that U.S. policy could change if Israel does not improve the situation. Biden emphasized that Israel’s strikes on humanitarian workers were unacceptable, and both Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby echoed this sentiment. They emphasized that changes needed to be made within hours and days, and that an announcement from Israel was expected soon. Biden stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire to stabilize the situation and protect innocent civilians.
The call between Biden and Netanyahu took place following the deaths of seven aid workers with the World Central Kitchen in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes, which further raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region. Discussions between the two leaders also included Iranian threats against Israel, with the White House reaffirming U.S. support for Israel in the face of these threats. However, Kirby emphasized the need for Israel to change its approach to the current invasion in Gaza, stating that real changes were necessary on the Israeli side, and that if these changes were not implemented, there would be consequences on the U.S. side.
The call between Biden and Netanyahu occurred as Hamas appeared to reject an Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire, as reported by the Times of Israel. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has been a source of international concern as Israel’s siege on the region has continued for over five months. The Biden administration is emphasizing the importance of improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza and protecting innocent civilians. The U.S. is calling for an immediate ceasefire and expecting Israel to make significant changes to its approach in the region to address the ongoing crisis.
Biden’s warnings to Netanyahu also highlighted the need for an urgent response to the situation in Gaza, particularly in light of the recent deaths of aid workers. The administration is urging Israel to take immediate action to improve the humanitarian situation in the region and to cease its strikes on humanitarian workers. The U.S. remains committed to supporting Israel in the face of threats from Iran and other actors in the region, but is also emphasizing the need for Israel to change its approach to the conflict in Gaza. The administration is prepared to take action if necessary to address the ongoing crisis and protect innocent civilians in the region.
The call between Biden and Netanyahu underscores the growing international pressure on Israel to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to cease its military actions in the region. The deaths of aid workers and escalating violence have raised concerns about the situation on the ground, prompting calls for an immediate ceasefire and a change in Israeli policy. The U.S. has made it clear that it expects Israel to take concrete steps to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza and protect civilians, and is prepared to shift its policy if necessary. The ongoing conflict in Gaza remains a focus of international attention, with calls for all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution and an end to the violence.
