The Gaza conflict has prompted President Biden to have a serious chat with Prime Minister Netanyahu, stressing that US support for Israel hinges on taking tangible steps to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza. This comes after the tragic deaths of seven World Central Kitchen staff members at the hands of Israeli forces, a situation that drew condemnation and calls for accountability.
Biden didn't mince words during their conversation, making it clear that the strikes on humanitarian workers are unacceptable. He emphasized the urgent need for Israel to implement specific measures to mitigate civilian harm and ensure the safety of aid workers. The White House underscored these points in a summary of the call, signaling a firm stance on the issue.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed Biden's sentiments, warning that if Israel doesn't demonstrate a commitment to change, US policy could shift. Israel, in response, expressed regret for the incident and pledged to adjust its practices to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The timing of this discussion is crucial as Biden faces mounting pressure domestically to reevaluate the unconditional military aid provided to Israel. Some voices within his party, like Senator Chris Coons, are advocating for conditioning aid to Israel based on its conduct, particularly regarding civilian protection and humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
Biden's stance reflects a growing frustration with Netanyahu's decisions amid the ongoing conflict. While he acknowledged Israel's promise of an investigation into the WCK incident, he emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency in the process.
The conflict itself has taken a heavy toll, with thousands of casualties, predominantly among women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry. The roots of the conflict trace back to Hamas's provocative actions, including attacks on Israeli civilians and hostage-taking, underscoring the complexity and gravity of the situation.
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