By Francesca Hangeior
President Joe Biden has warned Israel Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States policy will change towards Gaza unless Israel immediately takes concrete steps to address the humanitarian crisis.
The comments, which followed an Israeli strike that killed seven aid workers in Gaza, mark the first meaningful shift in rhetoric from the Biden administration since Israel launched its war in Gaza after the October 7 Hamas attacks.
Biden also demanded an immediate ceasefire.
During a phone call between Biden and Netanyahu, the U.S. President: “emphasised that the strikes on humanitarian workers and the overall humanitarian situation are unacceptable,” the White House said in a readout.
“He 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.
“He made clear that US policy concerning Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these steps,” it added.