In conversations between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the emphasis was on maintaining a steady flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The discussions, conducted over the phone, focused on practical steps to ensure aid continues to reach civilians in need amid ongoing hostilities. The gist of the exchange underscored a shared commitment to humanitarian corridors and predictable support for those affected by the crisis, with both leaders agreeing to reconvene soon to review progress.
The statement from the White House noted that Biden reminded Netanyahu of existing commitments to bolster Israel’s security while also expanding humanitarian help. Part of the dialogue involved plans for a new US Air Force deployment near the Israeli coast to bolster operations and coordinate relief efforts. The two leaders expressed a mutual intention to meet again in the near future to assess developments on the ground and align on next steps.
The message also highlighted Biden’s appreciation for the release of two more hostages in Gaza and reiterated Washington’s determination to pursue efforts to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas, including US citizens, as well as to facilitate the safe exit of civilians from Gaza. The emphasis remained on safeguarding civilian lives and ensuring aid reaches those in urgent need, alongside ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the broader crisis.
Earlier, discussions in other venues touched on a long-standing objective: resolving the Middle East tensions through a ceasefire in Israel and the establishment of a two-state framework in Palestine. The international community has long urged a path toward de-escalation and a political settlement that can endure, with various players signaling support for a negotiated solution that protects civilian populations and stabilizes the region.
On 7 October, events escalated as Hamas led a large-scale rocket attack, triggering an Israeli response. Reports indicated thousands of rockets were fired into Israel, and the operation known as Al-Aqsa Flood was announced. Militants reportedly breached parts of Israeli territory, seizing military equipment and taking numerous hostages. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu declared that Israel was at war and mobilized security and defense resources in a broad campaign.
The Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords, aiming to disrupt Hamas infrastructure and degrade its capabilities. The Israeli Air Force conducted extensive strikes against targets in the Gaza Strip, while Israel’s National Security Council moved to restrict essential supplies to Gaza, including water, food, electricity, and fuel, as part of a broader strategy to pressure hostile factions and compel decisions in the conflict. By mid-October, the UN issued warnings that up to 1.1 million Palestinians might need evacuation from northern Gaza to the south within 24 hours ahead of potential ground operations, highlighting the growing humanitarian crisis in the area.
Public figures within Israel offered harsh assessments of the relief effort’s sufficiency. Ben-Gvir, who had previously served as national security minister, argued that sending only limited quantities of explosives or minimal humanitarian aid would not meet the gravity of the situation until hostages were released. He suggested that more decisive action and broader humanitarian access were essential to mitigate civilian suffering and to create space for diplomatic progress.