Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under fire from US President Joe Biden for his handling of the escalating conflict between Israel and Gaza.
In a phone call on Wednesday, President Biden reportedly told Netanyahu that he believed the Israeli leader was making a “mistake” by continuing to carry out airstrikes on Gaza, where hundreds of civilians have been killed.
The conflict between Israel and Gaza, which began over a week ago, shows no signs of abating as both sides continue to exchange rocket fire and airstrikes. The violence has caused widespread destruction and loss of life, with over 200 people killed in Gaza and 12 in Israel.
Netanyahu has defended his actions, saying that Israel has the right to defend itself against attacks from Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza. However, President Biden’s criticism of the Israeli leader raises questions about the US government’s stance on the conflict.
The Biden administration has been under pressure from both Democrats and Republicans to take a stronger stance on the issue, with many calling for a more forceful intervention to bring about a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
In a statement released after the phone call, the White House said that President Biden “expressed his support for a ceasefire” and “discussed US engagement with Egypt and other partners towards a sustainable calm.”
The situation in Gaza is dire, with hospitals overwhelmed and supplies running low. The United Nations has warned of a humanitarian crisis if the violence continues unchecked.
Netanyahu’s response to President Biden’s criticism remains to be seen, but it is clear that the international community is growing increasingly concerned about the situation in Gaza.
As the conflict rages on, the world watches in horror as civilians on both sides pay the ultimate price for the actions of their leaders. It is imperative that all parties involved work towards a peaceful resolution to end the bloodshed and prevent further loss of life.
