President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are set to have their first conversation since Israel's recent deadly strike on a convoy of aid workers in Gaza. The strike, which resulted in the deaths of seven workers from the World Central Kitchen, including a dual US-Canadian citizen, has sparked outrage and concern.
Israel has accepted responsibility for the strikes but maintains that the convoy was not the intended target and the deaths were not intentional. The country is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
President Biden expressed his outrage over the deaths of the aid workers, stating that such incidents should not occur. Despite this, the Biden administration's support for Israel remains steadfast, with plans to approve an $18 billion sale of fighter jets to Israel and the recent authorization of bomb transfers.
Biden has called for a temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas. He has also voiced opposition to an Israeli ground invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza. However, he has not yet called for a permanent ceasefire, a stance that differs from some other world leaders.
While Biden has criticized Netanyahu's approach to the conflict, the US continues to affirm Israel's right to defend itself against threats posed by Hamas. The White House maintains that Israel has the responsibility to eliminate these threats to ensure the safety of its people.
