In a Saturday telephone discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that he did not call for a ceasefire on the Israeli side amid the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The report attributed the remarks to TASS. Biden clarified that he does not advocate for an immediate halt to military actions by Israel, while underscoring that the conversation with Netanyahu lasted longer than usual and was described as a private meeting. The White House press service highlighted that Biden emphasized two crucial objectives: safeguarding civilians and ensuring the safe movement of noncombatants from zones affected by continuing hostilities.
Earlier, Netanyahu signaled support for the idea of an extended or indefinite occupation of the Gaza Strip as part of the ongoing operation against militant factions associated with Hamas. The broader situation in the Middle East deteriorated on October 7, when thousands of armed followers of Hamas breached Israeli defenses from the Gaza Strip, attacking civilians and abducting more than 200 hostages. In response, Netanyahu declared Israel at war and announced the launch of a ground operation aimed at recovering hostages and dismantling Hamas.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated a commitment to defeating Hamas, portraying the campaign as a decisive effort against the militant group. The evolving dynamics of the conflict have drawn international attention, with nations weighing humanitarian obligations, civilian protections, and strategic objectives as the situation unfolds across the region. (Attribution: TASS)