Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in a critical conversation, marking a potential shift in strategy regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The discussion centered on the prospect of Israel refraining from a major military operation in Rafah, the southernmost city of Gaza, where a significant Palestinian population resides.
In their dialogue, which is the first in over a month, Biden and Netanyahu addressed various pressing issues, including Israel’s military activities, escalating humanitarian concerns in Gaza, and efforts to secure the release of hostages.
The White House emphasized the importance of defeating Hamas while simultaneously safeguarding civilians and ensuring the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Following the conversation, the White House released a statement outlining the leaders’ agreement to convene their respective teams in Washington to explore alternative approaches.
These strategies aim to target key elements of Hamas and secure the Egypt-Gaza border without resorting to a large-scale ground invasion in Rafah. Biden specifically requested the presence of senior Israeli officials from the military, intelligence, and humanitarian sectors to participate in these discussions.
During a subsequent press briefing, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan reiterated Biden’s commitment to Israel's long-term security while cautioning against a significant ground operation in Rafah.
Sullivan warned that such a maneuver would likely result in additional civilian casualties, exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, and isolate Israel internationally. He emphasized the importance of targeting Hamas while rejecting the notion that questioning operations in Rafah equates to undermining efforts to defeat Hamas.
Netanyahu, in response to Biden’s request, affirmed Israel’s commitment to achieving its objectives in the conflict. He agreed to send a delegation to Washington to explore alternative strategies that align with both countries’ interests.
The phone call between Biden and Netanyahu signals a potential shift in the approach to the Gaza crisis, prioritizing targeted measures over large-scale military operations.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community closely watches for developments and hopes for a resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of civilians while addressing the underlying causes of the conflict.
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