Earlier today President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed developments in the Israel-Hamas war and humanitarian aid in Gaza. Netanyahu stated on X that Israel remains committed to achieving its goals of eliminating Hamas, securing the release of hostages, and ensuring Gaza will no longer threaten Israeli security.
Netanyahu’s statement posted on X:
We talked about the latest developments in the war, including Israel’s commitment to achieving all the goals of the war: the elimination of Hamas, the release of all our hostages, and the promise that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel — while providing the necessary humanitarian aid that helps achieve these goals.
The conversation between the two leaders is the first phone call in a month, and comes after remarks from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) in which he called for new elections in Israel. Netanyahu is facing criticism from foreign leaders due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stating on X, “Gaza is facing famine. According to @theIPCinfo, 100% of people are acutely food insecure; in the North, 70% are facing famine. Hunger can’t be used as a weapon of war. W/ @JanezLenarcic, we urge Israel to allow free, unimpeded, safe humanitarian access.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded to Borrell’s comments, stating on X, “Israel allows extensive humanitarian aid into Gaza by land, air, and sea for anyone willing to help. Despite Hamas violently disrupting aid convoys and @UNRWA’s collaboration with them, we persist. It’s time for EU Foreign Minister @JosepBorrellF to stop attacking Israel and recognize our right to self-defense against Hamas’ crimes.”
