President Joe Biden conveyed strong disapproval to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the recent strike that claimed the lives of seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen. Biden labeled the incident “unacceptable” and emphasized the urgency of addressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza. During their call, Biden outlined the necessity for Israel to prioritize civilian safety and the protection of aid workers, urging swift action towards a ceasefire.
The White House indicated that U.S. policy towards Gaza hinges on Israel’s response to these pressing issues. Biden implied that military aid could be contingent on Israel’s efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and achieve a ceasefire promptly.
While expressing his love for Israel, Biden underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing his long-standing support for the nation’s security. He urged Netanyahu to expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and adopt a more lenient approach towards aid shipments.
Additionally, Biden emphasized the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and suggested leveraging the release of hostages by Hamas as a potential path to achieving it. He made it clear that failure to agree to a ceasefire would significantly alter U.S.-Israel relations.
The call also addressed Iranian threats against Israel, with Biden reaffirming unwavering U.S. support in the face of such threats.
The incident involving the aid workers marked a turning point in the ongoing conflict, prompting Biden’s urgent response. While Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s stance on the matter, Biden’s anger over the incident was palpable, signaling broader concerns regarding Israeli military operations.
Vice President Kamala Harris was present during the call, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Biden expressed condolences to chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, over the loss of the aid workers.
The call comes amid heightened tensions, with previous discussions between Biden and Netanyahu regarding military operations in Gaza. The U.S. has expressed reservations about Israel’s proposed strategies, emphasizing the need to prioritize civilian protection and humanitarian aid.
In a related development, Senator Chris Coons voiced support for conditioning U.S. military aid to Israel, should civilian protection measures not be adequately addressed.
Meanwhile, President Biden engaged with members of the Muslim community, indicating his wife’s concerns over the conflict and emphasizing the need for immediate action to end the violence.
The situation underscores the complexity of the conflict and the delicate balance of U.S.-Israel relations in addressing humanitarian crises and security concerns in the region.