Biden warns Netanyahu the situation in Gaza is ‘unacceptable’
The phone call between the two leaders came three days after seven workers from the José Andrés-run World Central Kitchen were killed by an Israeli strike on a clearly marked convoy, igniting outrage in the United States and abroad. Biden issued a rare direct rebuke of Israel for the strike by blaming the country for creating the conditions that have made the delivery of aid inside Gaza so difficult and deadly.
On Thursday, Biden “made clear the need for Israel to announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers,” the White House readout said. “He made clear that U.S. policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these steps.”
It marked the first time Biden has indicated a willingness to reassess his unwavering support of Israel’s campaign in Gaza, as pressure grows among prominent Democrats to condition weapons sales to Israel as the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 32,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
The White House offered no details about how it would assess whether Israel complied with Biden’s demands and how U.S. policy could change if the administration determines Israel does not meet its demands.
“President Biden emphasized that the strikes on humanitarian workers and the overall humanitarian situation are unacceptable,” the summary said.
Biden and his top aides have repeatedly pressed Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, reduce civilian casualties and protect aid workers. But they have so far been unwilling to impose any punitive actions even as Netanyahu has become increasingly defiant of U.S. requests despite unprecedented military support.
Last month, the United States said that Israel was not obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Such a certification is a precondition for countries receiving U.S. weapons and military assistance. The statement came despite remarks from Biden and Vice President Harris saying there were “no excuses” for Israel not facilitating the delivery of more humanitarian aid, as Gaza is on the brink of famine because aid is not able to get to the enclave.
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza after Hamas militants stormed through the border and killed 1,200 people, including many civilians, and took 253 people hostage.
The assault has created a humanitarian catastrophe as dozens of children have been dying of malnutrition and starvation, according to the United Nations. More than 80 percent of the population has been displaced, and the entire Gaza population is facing high levels of acute food insecurity, according to U.S. officials and aid groups.