President Joe Biden conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that US backing for his military campaign in Gaza is contingent upon the implementation of new measures aimed at safeguarding civilians. This marks a change in stance for the American leader, who has come under mounting pressure to adopt a more stringent approach towards Israel in light of escalating casualties.
Biden and Netanyahu have conversed regarding Gaza
The warning, delivered in a Thursday phone call between the two leaders, signaled that Biden is toughening his stance after an Israeli strike that killed seven people delivering food to displaced Palestinians in Gaza. Biden called the incident “unacceptable,” according to a White House description of the conversation
Hours later, the prime minister’s office announced that the country’s security cabinet had authorized action to bolster assistance and “prevent a humanitarian crisis.”
Read Also : India’s Sea Boundary Crossing Risks Katchatheevu Sovereignty Violation
Israel to allow the temporary delivery of aid to Gaza
Israel will allow the temporary delivery of aid to Gaza through the Ashdod and Erez checkpoints in Israel, according to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, which added that more Jordanian aid could flow through a crossing at Kerem Shalom. The decision, according to the statement, would also “ensure the continuation of the fighting and to achieve the goals of the war.”
Read Also : Byju Raveendran Net Worth Hits Zero on Forbes Billionaire 2024
No clarity on next steps by US in Gaza conflict
Biden did not specify when and how he might shift his approach to the Israel-Hamas war, which is in its sixth month and has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. But his statement is the closest he has come to placing new requirements on US support for Israel’s military operations.
Earlier Thursday, Netanyahu vowed to press on with its war effort. White House spokesman John Kirby declined to elaborate on what steps the US would take if Israel does not do more to protect civilians, including if Biden would withhold military assistance.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed during a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels that “if we don’t see the changes we need to see, there’ll be changes in our policy.” He did not detail the nature of those potential changes.
Read Also :