In a recent call between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden expressed his strong concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The call, which lasted approximately thirty minutes, addressed the recent airstrikes that resulted in the tragic deaths of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers. President Biden described these airstrikes as “unacceptable” and stressed the need for Israel to take immediate and concrete steps to address civilian harm and ensure the safety of aid workers in Gaza.
NBC’s Monica Alba reported on the call, noting Biden’s rebuke of Netanyahu regarding the airstrike incident. While there has been no official shift in policy, Biden’s outrage over the incident was evident, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Netanyahu, in response, stated that the strike on aid workers was unintentional, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking from Brussels, echoed Biden’s sentiments, stating that the incident involving the World Central Kitchen aid workers must be the last of its kind. Blinken emphasized the critical need for Israel to implement concrete measures to protect civilians and address the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. President Biden’s conversation with Netanyahu also touched on the crucial role of U.S. support for Israel, contingent upon Israel’s efforts to safeguard civilians during the conflict.
The White House reiterated Biden’s stance, emphasizing that U.S. policy regarding Gaza would be shaped by Israel’s immediate actions in response to these concerns. Additionally, President Biden called for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, stressing the urgency of stabilizing the humanitarian situation and ensuring the safe return of hostages.
In response to the call, Israeli government spokesperson Tal Heinrich reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to providing aid to Palestinians and working towards a resolution to the crisis. The call between Biden and Netanyahu underscores the ongoing efforts to address the complex challenges in the region while prioritizing the safety and well-being of civilians and aid workers.
