The US President Joe Biden on Monday expressed his support for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The phone conversation was read out by the White House, “The President expressed his support for a ceasefire and discussed U.S. engagement with Egypt and other partners towards that end.”
The readout further said, “Encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians.”
However, the US President reiterated his support for Israel’s right to defend itself against rocket attacks by Hamas, as the readout further said, “The two leaders discussed progress in Israel’s military operations against Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza.”
Earlier on Monday US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had many phone conversations over the Israel- Palestinian issue with his regional counterparts including Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi.
The call between Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu was the 3rd call in less than a week as violence escalated between the Israeli security forces and Palestinian in Gaza.
Biden administration is under pressure from a group of Democratic senators urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to prevent loss of civilian life.
The ongoing conflict is even worse than the conflict in 2014 as the ongoing battle between Israeli security forces and Hamas already killed 204 Palestinians that includes 59 children and 10 Israelis that include a 5-year-old boy and a soldier.
