Washington – President Joe Biden expressed his concern to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the recent strike in which seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen were killed, labeling the situation as “unacceptable,” according to a White House statement. Biden emphasized the need for Israel to take specific, measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers.
During the phone call, Biden underscored the importance of an immediate ceasefire to stabilize the humanitarian crisis, protect innocent civilians, and facilitate the return of hostages held in Gaza. Additionally, the two leaders discussed public Iranian threats against Israel, with Biden reaffirming strong U.S. support for Israel in the face of these threats.
The conversation, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, came after Biden expressed anger over the incident and scheduled the call with Netanyahu. The president highlighted broader concerns about how Israel is conducting operations, particularly the coordination with aid organizations like World Central Kitchen.
Following the strike, World Central Kitchen paused its operations in the region, as the organization mourned the loss of its workers and raised concerns over the circumstances of the attack. Biden extended his condolences to chef José Andrés, who leads the organization, emphasizing his sorrow over the tragic deaths.
The call between Biden and Netanyahu follows previous discussions between the two leaders, including a warning from Biden against a military operation in Rafah. The U.S. has been engaged in conversations with Israeli officials about plans for a potential ground invasion, urging provisions to protect civilians and provide humanitarian aid in the region.
As tensions persist, some U.S. lawmakers have advocated for conditions on military aid to Israel if civilian protections are not adequately addressed. Senator Chris Coons and Senator Peter Welch have both called for reconsidering U.S. support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, citing concerns about the impact on civilians, aid workers, and the broader push for a peaceful resolution in the region.
In a separate engagement, Biden met with members of the Muslim community to discuss efforts to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The president shared insights from his wife, Jill Biden, who has been urging him to work towards peace and cessation of hostilities in the region. These interactions shed light on the complex dynamics at play as international leaders navigate efforts to address the crisis and promote stability in the region.