President Joe Biden in an interview on Tuesday, expressed his disapproval of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, labeling it a “mistake.”
Biden’s remarks add to the growing criticism of Israel’s military actions in the region.
Biden had previously condemned Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza as “indiscriminate” and its military tactics as “over the top.”
Last week, the White House announced that President Biden had warned Netanyahu in a phone call that U.S. support for Israel’s offensive would be conditional on concrete steps to protect aid workers and civilians.
The call followed an Israeli airstrike that resulted in the deaths of seven staff members of the aid group World Central Kitchen.
“What I’m calling for is for the Israelis to just call for a ceasefire, allow for the next six, eight weeks, total access to all food and medicine going into the country,” Biden said
The Israeli military’s assault on Gaza has drawn international condemnation.
Internally, President Biden has faced pressure from anti-war activists, Muslim communities, and Arab Americans demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
These groups have also called for stricter limitations on U.S. military assistance to Israel.
The conflict’s toll has been devastating, with Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people, according to Israeli reports.
In response, Israel’s military offensive on Hamas-controlled Gaza has claimed over 33,000 lives, displaced most of the enclave’s 2.3 million population, and led to allegations of genocide—a charge vehemently denied by Israel.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is said to have worsened, with widespread hunger affecting the local population.
Israel, a long-standing recipient of U.S. foreign aid, has historically enjoyed strong support from Washington. However, recent years have seen a shift in focus, with increased attention and resources directed toward other global crises, such as the conflict in Ukraine.
Despite this, the United States continues to play a pivotal role in shielding Israel from international criticism, including vetoing multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions related to the Gaza conflict.
Chioma Kalu
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