Washington: US President Joe Biden has directed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
In its strongest communication to its ally since war broke out on October 7, 2023, Biden served Netanyahu an ultimatum and urged him to reach a hostage deal “without delay”.
Israel has been at the receiving end of severe criticism globally for its actions in Gaza which has led to deaths of thousands of innocent civilians. Recently, Israeli airstrikes killed seven food aid workers in Gaza.
With over 33,000 people losing their lives in six months, Biden pressed for an immediate ceasefire in exchange for the release of around 100 hostages whom Hamas holds.
According to the White House, Biden called up Netanyahu and told him that Palestinian civilians and foreign aid workers should be protected or the US would rethink its support for Israel in the war against Hamas.
Officials said that Biden did not mince words, and was “direct and honest” in his conversation with Netanyahu.
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