President Joe Biden issued a warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that future U.S. support for Israel’s Gaza war depends on the implementation of new steps to protect civilians and aid workers. This marks a change in the administration’s staunch support for Israel’s war efforts, with the U.S. threatening to reconsider its backing if Israel does not change its tactics and allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. The White House did not specify what changes could occur in U.S. policy but indicated that they expected Israel to announce and implement specific actions promptly.
Biden emphasized the need for Israel to announce and implement measures to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers. He also urged for an immediate ceasefire and called for Israel to reach an agreement without delay. The conversation between Biden and Netanyahu was described as direct and honest, with the White House disclosing that there was no immediate reaction from the Israeli government. The World Central Kitchen, a food relief organization, called for an independent investigation into the Israeli strikes that killed aid workers, including an American citizen.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that U.S. support would be diminished if Israel did not make significant adjustments to how it was conducting the war in Gaza. The White House demanded tangible changes from Israel to prevent civilian casualties and increase aid access into Gaza. Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, calling for a resolution to the bloodshed and for Israel to bring the conflict to a swift end. Biden and Netanyahu also discussed Iranian threats against Israel during their conversation.
Despite the calls for Israel to change its approach in the conflict, the Biden administration has continued with arms transfers and deliveries to Israel. Plans to build a temporary pier off the coast of Gaza to aid in the flow of humanitarian aid into the territory are also moving forward. Although Israel has acknowledged responsibility for the strikes that killed aid workers, the country maintains that the convoy was not targeted intentionally. Israel continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the aid workers, as criticism mounts over the civilian casualties in Gaza.
The war in Gaza began with Hamas-led militants attacking southern Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and taking hostages. The Israeli military campaign in Gaza has been described as one of the deadliest and most destructive conflicts in recent history. Researchers point out that the offensive has caused more destruction than notable historical events, such as the razing of Syria’s Aleppo or Ukraine’s Mariupol. The conflict has taken a significant toll on civilians and aid workers, leading to increasing calls for a ceasefire and a resolution to the violence in Gaza.
