Biden reaffirmed his stance on Rafah invasion during phone conversation with Netanyahu on Sunday

President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a crucial phone call on Sunday, where Biden reiterated his stance on a potential Israeli invasion of Rafah and emphasized the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza. The White House disclosed that the leaders discussed increasing the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, including plans to open new northern crossings this week.

The Biden administration has made it clear to Israel that they expect a concrete and actionable plan to protect civilians in Rafah before any invasion takes place. Israel, on the other hand, has assured the US that they will not launch an invasion in an area where over a million people are seeking shelter until the concerns of the Biden administration are addressed.

During the call, Biden reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and reviewed the ongoing negotiations to secure a hostage release and ceasefire in Gaza. This conversation comes shortly after Biden signed an aid package into law, which includes $26 billion for Israel, along with substantial aid for Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific region.

In a previous call earlier this month, Biden expressed his dissatisfaction with the humanitarian situation in Gaza and warned Israel of potential consequences if the crisis is not addressed promptly. The ongoing discussions between the two leaders highlight the complex dynamics of the US-Israel relationship and the pressing need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza.