Washington: President Joe Biden delivered a stern message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, stressing that future U.S. support for Israel’s actions in Gaza hinges on prompt measures to safeguard civilians and humanitarian workers.
The approximately 30-minute call between Biden and Netanyahu, following the killing of seven aid workers in Gaza by Israeli airstrikes, added complexity to their already strained relationship. Biden’s stance signals a notable departure from the previous unwavering support for Israel’s military operations. For the first time, the U.S. leader hinted at reassessing support unless Israel alters its tactics and allows increased humanitarian aid into Gaza.
While the White House didn’t specify potential policy changes, they could involve modifications in military sales to Israel and alterations in diplomatic support on the global stage.
Netanyahu’s office announced on Friday that his Security Cabinet has endorsed immediate measures to enhance humanitarian aid flow into Gaza, including the reopening of a crucial crossing destroyed in a Hamas attack on October 7.
Prior to this announcement, U.S. officials indicated that they would evaluate the adequacy of Israel’s actions.
Biden emphasized the necessity for Israel to declare and implement specific, measurable steps addressing civilian casualties, humanitarian crises, and the safety of aid personnel. He underscored that U.S. policy towards Gaza hinges on Israel’s prompt action.
Biden also pressed for an “immediate cease-fire” in return for the release of an estimated 100 hostages in Gaza, urging Israel to reach such an agreement promptly.
According to the White House, the conversation between Biden and Netanyahu was characterized as direct and candid.
Besides discussing the situation in Gaza, the leaders addressed Iranian threats against Israel.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated that U.S. support would diminish if Israel doesn’t adjust its conduct significantly during the conflict.
The calls for Israel to swiftly end the conflict intensified across the political spectrum, with former President Donald Trump urging for a resolution to the violence.
The Biden administration, despite its concerns, continued with arms transfers to Israel, including the recent approval for the sale of munitions.
The Pentagon confirmed plans to construct a temporary pier off the coast of Gaza to facilitate aid delivery, with Israel providing security during the process.
Israel admitted responsibility for the strikes on the World Central Kitchen workers but maintained that the convoy wasn’t targeted, and the deaths weren’t intentional.
José Andrés, founder of the World Central Kitchen, criticized the Israeli military’s actions and halted operations in Gaza.
The conflict in Gaza, triggered by Hamas-led militants’ incursion into southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, drawing comparisons to some of the deadliest conflicts in recent history.
Experts describe the Israeli military campaign in Gaza as one of the deadliest and most destructive in recent memory, surpassing the devastation seen in other conflict zones.
