Did not ask for ceasefire’ in Gaza: Biden after phone call with Netanyahu
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, United States President Joe Biden has clarified that he did not request a ceasefire in a recent telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders discussed Israel's military campaign, focusing on its objectives and progression.
Biden's Statement
Addressing reporters, President Biden stated that his conversation with Netanyahu was private and categorically mentioned, "I did not ask for a ceasefire" in response to a shouted question.
White House Statement
The White House later released a statement outlining the key points discussed in the call. The leaders delved into Israel's military campaign, emphasizing the need to protect the civilian population, including those supporting humanitarian aid operations. Biden underscored the importance of allowing civilians to safely move away from areas of ongoing conflict. Additionally, they discussed the critical issue of securing the release of all remaining hostages.
UN Security Council Resolution
The phone call occurred a day after the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed a resolution aimed at increasing aid for Gaza. However, the resolution fell short of explicitly calling for a ceasefire or a pause in the weeks-long fighting. The resolution focused on demanding immediate, safe, and unhindered deliveries of life-saving aid to Gaza at scale.
Impact and Criticism
While the resolution was passed after negotiations over its wording, it faced criticism for being watered down, with concerns raised about its limited impact on the lives of civilians in Gaza. The US and Russia abstained from the vote, and aid groups fear that its effect on the ground may be minimal.
Israel's Response
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed appreciation for the US stance at the UN and reiterated Israel's commitment to continuing the war until all its goals are achieved.
Escalation of Violence
Amid diplomatic efforts and resolutions, the violence continues to escalate, with Israel bombing Gaza for nearly 80 days. The past 24 hours alone saw over 200 casualties, bringing the total death toll to 20,258, mainly comprising women and children. The UN estimates that the conflict has displaced 1.9 million out of Gaza's 2.3 million population.
Humanitarian Crisis
The situation in Gaza is dire, described by the UN as "beyond catastrophic." Residents face challenges in accessing essential resources like food, fuel, and water, residing in crowded shelters or tents. The UN Relief Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) expressed frustration, stating that meaningful aid delivery is impossible while the Israeli bombardment of Gaza persists.
In a news conference, UNRWA spokesperson Tamara al-Rifai emphasized the tragic impact of political obstacles on the survival of 2.2 million people in Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing crisis.