White House: Biden calls on Netanyahu for immediate ceasefire in Gaza
The White House press service reported that during a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Biden called the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip unacceptable. He emphasized the inadmissibility of attacks on humanitarian aid workers.
Biden stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire to stabilize and improve the humanitarian situation in the region. Israeli observers noted that this was the first time Biden demanded a halt to hostilities since the conflict began.
Furthermore, the US President placed responsibility on the Israeli government for the breakdown of negotiations with Hamas regarding the exchange of hostages and prisoners. He urged Netanyahu to empower the negotiating team to reach a resolution.
The White House also mentioned that the two leaders discussed Iran's "public threats against Israel and Israelis," with Biden affirming that the United States stands in support of Israel against such threats.
It's worth noting that reports surfaced in Israeli media suggesting that the conversation between the two leaders was challenging even before it concluded.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office has not provided comments on the phone call with Washington.