WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday held a telephonic conversation, the White House said, their first call in more than a month amid growing tensions over Israel’s offensive in the besieged Gaza Strip.
The call marked the first communication between the two leaders since February 15, amidst mounting criticism from Biden regarding the Palestinian death toll and dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, exacerbated by Israel’s relentless bombardment campaign initiated on October 7.
In a statement, the White House stated that the discussion between Biden and Netanyahu focused on the latest developments in Israel and Gaza, particularly addressing the situation in Rafah and efforts to enhance humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Netanyahu has remained steadfast in his rejection of pressure from Washington, reaffirming Israel’s intent to proceed with plans for an offensive in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah. Biden, however, has cautioned against any operation in Rafah without a credible plan to protect the Palestinian civilian population of over one million inhabitants.
The US president’s frustration with Netanyahu’s approach has become increasingly apparent. Additionally, Biden commended Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s call for new elections in Israel, reflecting shared concerns among many Americans.
In response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Biden ordered the US military to initiate airdrops of food into the enclave and is deploying American forces to construct a temporary port for maritime aid. Despite these efforts, the United States continues to provide substantial military aid to Israel, a close ally.
The call between Biden and Netanyahu comes amidst alarming reports from Gaza, where the territory’s health ministry reported that nearly 32,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in Gaza since the launch of Israel’s relentless attacks on October 7.
