President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Monday morning, a White House official said, as Israel appeared closer to launching an offensive on the southern Gaza city of Rafah — a move staunchly opposed by the U.S. on humanitarian grounds.
Quick Read
- High-Level Talks: President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel appeared poised to launch an offensive in Rafah, Gaza.
- US Opposition: The U.S. has expressed strong opposition to the invasion on humanitarian grounds, urging Israel to avoid escalating the situation.
- Ceasefire Advocacy: During the call, President Biden emphasized the importance of striving for a ceasefire with Hamas to safeguard the lives of Israeli hostages currently held in Gaza.
- Civilian Protection: Biden stressed the necessity for Israel to have a credible plan to protect civilians in Rafah if an offensive were to proceed.
- Humanitarian Concerns: The United Nations has highlighted severe risks to the civilian population in Rafah, noting that an invasion could place hundreds of thousands at imminent risk of death.
The Associated Press has the story:
Biden & Netanyahu spoke by phone as Israel appears close to invading Rafah
WASHINGTON — (AP)
President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Monday morning, a White House official said, as Israel appeared closer to launching an offensive on the southern Gaza city of Rafah — a move staunchly opposed by the U.S. on humanitarian grounds.
A National Security Council spokesperson said Biden reiterated U.S. concerns about an invasion of Rafah said he believes reaching a ceasefire with Hamas is the best way to protect the lives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
The two officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the call before an official White House statement was released.
The Biden administration, which provides Israel crucial military and diplomatic support, says it opposes a Rafah invasion unless Israel provides a “credible” plan for protecting civilians there.
The United Nations humanitarian aid agency has warned that hundreds of thousands of people would be “at imminent risk of death” if Israel carries out a military assault into Rafah. The city on the border with Egypt is a critical entry point for humanitarian aid and is filled with displaced Palestinians, many in densely packed tent camps.
