Topline
President Joe Biden expressed support for a ceasefire to end the weeklong conflict between Israel and Hamas in a call Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said, the strongest stance the president has taken on the violence that has left more than 200 dead and threatens to destabilize the region.
Then-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden sat with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before a ... [+]
Key Facts
Biden and Netanyahu discussed U.S. talks with Egypt and other powers to help bring about a ceasefire, according to a White House readout of the call.
Hamas, which controls Gaza, is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S., and diplomats from the U.S. and other western nations do not work directly with their representatives.
Biden reaffirmed his “firm support” for Israel’s right to defend itself against Palestinian militant groups, the White House said.
During the call, Biden also encouraged Netanyahu to make sure Israel ensures civilians are protected during Israeli airstrikes into Gaza.
Biden told Netanyahu he welcomed efforts to “address intercommunal violence,” in the wake of sectarian attacks throughout Israel this week that have resulted in at least two deaths, according to Israeli media.
Tangent
Biden has come under increasing pressure to take a stronger stance on the crisis, both by Republicans and from within his own party. Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel slammed Biden last week, saying in a statement Hamas’ continued attacks “prove that Biden’s weak leadership is reversing the historic progress the Trump administration made towards peace in the region.” A growing number of progressive Democrats are speaking out against Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and U.S. support for Israel, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
Key Background
Monday marked the eighth day of Israel and Palestinian militant groups trading airstrikes and rockets. A total 212 Palestinians have died in the crisis, according to Gaza’s health authority, and more than one in four of the victims was a child. More than 1,400 people in Gaza have been wounded and some 40,000 families have been displaced by Israeli airstrikes. According to Israel, 10 Israelis have been killed by rockets, including two children.
Further Reading
Schumer Signs On To Bipartisan Statement Calling For Israel-Hamas Ceasefire (Forbes)
UN Official: Gaza Running Out Of Power And Water In Escalating Crisis (Forbes)
