U.S.A. President Joe Biden has delivered some of his sharpest criticisms yet of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict with Hamas. The criticism comes in the wake of mounting civilian casualties in Israel’s war against Hamas and worsening conditions within Gaza.
Speaking to Univision, a US Spanish-language TV network, Biden expressed his disagreement with Netanyahu’s approach, labelling it as a mistake. He condemned a recent Israeli drone attack that killed seven aid workers from a US-based charity in Gaza as “outrageous,” leading to a tense exchange during a phone call with Netanyahu.
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Biden’s call for a ceasefire signifies a notable departure from his previous stance, where he emphasized Hamas’s responsibility to agree to a truce and a hostage release deal. Additionally, he increased pressure on Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, highlighting discussions with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies.
The shift in Biden’s Israel policy follows global outrage over the killings of aid workers in Gaza and underscores growing concerns over the human toll in the region. Despite prior support for Israel, Biden warned of potential policy changes if Israel fails to adjust its practices regarding Gaza, particularly in protecting civilians and facilitating aid.
While Israel has taken steps to open new aid crossings and withdraw troops from certain areas in Gaza, tensions persist over Netanyahu’s plans for a major offensive near the Egyptian border, a move strongly opposed by Washington.
With the US presidential election looming, Biden faces mounting opposition to his Gaza policy, particularly from Muslim and young voters, as well as from key allies urging a change in direction. Families of US hostages held by Hamas during the conflict have also voiced their concerns, urging swift action to secure their loved one’s release and cautioning against further military escalation before their safe return.
The death toll in Gaza has soared, surpassing 33,000, with a significant number of casualties being children who fell victim to the Israeli military’s airstrikes and blockade. The situation threatens to deteriorate further as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu declared plans to invade Rafah, heightening fears of escalating violence in the region.
