President Joe Biden issued a stern warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a recent phone call, expressing his deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The call, which lasted 30 minutes, marked the first conversation between the two leaders since an Israeli strike resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen in Gaza.
Biden emphasized the unacceptable nature of the strikes on humanitarian workers and the overall humanitarian situation in Gaza. He made it clear that US policy towards Gaza would be contingent on Israel taking immediate action to address these issues.
Netanyahu acknowledged the responsibility of the Israel Defense Forces for the deaths of the aid workers and assured Biden that measures would be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future. Israel has also approved the reopening of the Erez crossing to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the potential consequences if Israel fails to make necessary changes, indicating that there could be shifts in US policy towards the conflict. Biden’s frustration with Israel’s campaign in Gaza has been mounting, with concerns raised about civilian casualties and the handling of the crisis.
The call between Biden and Netanyahu underscores the delicate balance of US support for Israel while also addressing humanitarian concerns and the need for a ceasefire. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions and potential policy changes on the horizon.