Biden Sharper Than Ever Towards Israel and Netanyahu

(Patria) - The United States has issued its sharpest public rebuke to Israel since the start of the war with Hamas, warning that US policy towards Gaza will be determined by whether Israel takes steps to ensure the safety of Palestinian civilians and humanitarian workers.

US President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel must take immediate action to reduce civilian suffering, the White House said after a phone call between the two leaders.

In a conversation lasting less than 30 minutes, Biden told Netanyahu that an immediate ceasefire in the region is crucial, and urged Israel to "reach an agreement without delay" with Hamas to bring Israeli hostages home, almost six months after Palestinian militants attacked Israel.

Suggesting that a change in US policy towards Gaza is possible if Israel does not respond to the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave, Biden channeled his personal frustration, as well as growing pressure from his left-wing political base to stop the killings and alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians.

"Biden clearly pointed out the need for Israel to present and implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian casualties, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of humanitarian workers.

The President made it clear that US policy towards Gaza will be determined by our assessment of whether Israel has taken these steps," the White House said.

Seven humanitarian workers from the NGO World Central Kitchen were killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza on Monday.

Israel announced yesterday that it would adjust its war tactics in Gaza, describing the strike as a result of misidentification and stating that it would soon release the results of its investigation.