The president of the United States, Joe Biden, spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to press for immediate humanitarian relief into Gaza in alignment with international law. The White House summarized the conversation as a renewed commitment to civilian protection, emphasizing that aid must reach those in need without delay.
Biden and Netanyahu spoke on the phone this weekend, with the president reiterating that Israel retains the right to defend its citizens against terrorism while also considering the plight of civilians in the Gaza Strip. The message was clear: lifesaving aid should flow now, and it should be delivered in ways that safeguard the noncombatant population.
The two leaders underscored the urgency of significantly lifting humanitarian assistance to Gaza and ensuring it moves swiftly through established channels. They also agreed to keep lines of communication open, whether directly or via their national security teams, to monitor evolving circumstances and coordinate responses as needed.
Release of hostages
Beyond immediate aid, the discussions touched on the ongoing efforts to locate hostages and secure their release. The exchanges reflected a shared priority of identifying and rescuing civilians and others who remain missing, including U.S. citizens potentially held by Hamas.
During the weekend’s briefings, the Israeli Defense Forces reported multiple attacks, while Israel noted the presence of Hamas across various locations within the Gaza Strip. This context underscored the delicate balance authorities aim to achieve between counterterrorism operations and the protection of noncombatants.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that in the talks the United States pressed Israel to adhere to international law and acknowledged Israel’s responsibility for civilian casualties during military operations in Gaza. He explained in a CNN interview that tough questions were raised about strategic choices and their consequences for civilians who live in the conflict zone. The message was that civilian safety must guide all military actions and that investigations and accountability remain essential components of the discussion. [Source: White House briefing; CNN interview]
In these exchanges, Sullivan and other U.S. aides stressed that Hamas has repeatedly used civilians as shields, a claim that does not absolve any party of international legal obligations. Israel, under international law, is expected to distinguish combatants from civilians and to take all feasible precautions to spare civilian life while pursuing security objectives. The aim, according to U.S. officials, is a measured approach that limits harm to innocent people while confronting the threat posed by Hamas. [Attribution: official statements and press coverage]