President Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, the White House said in a statement. The two leaders discussed developments in Gaza and the surrounding region, as well as the release of two American hostages released by Hamas on Friday.
The call came as the United Nations announced that 14 trucks carrying humanitarian aid would be allowed to enter the Gaza Strip, and a day after the first trucks carrying aid from Egypt were allowed into the Strip to address the unprecedented humanitarian crisis caused by the The closure of the strip by Israel was caused after the bloody rampage by Hamas militants on October 7th.
“The leaders reaffirmed that this critical assistance will now continue to flow to Gaza,” the White House statement said.
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Mr. Biden also expressed appreciation on Friday for Israel’s role in the release of an American woman and her teenage daughter. The two women, who are dual Israeli-American citizens, were the first prisoners released by Hamas.
“The leaders discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas – including US citizens – and to ensure safe passage for US citizens and other civilians in Gaza who wish to leave,” it said in the statement, adding: “The President and the Prime Minister agreed to remain in close contact.
Mr. Biden also issued a joint statement on Sunday on the Israel-Hamas war with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in the Kingdom.
The leaders reiterated their support for Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism, while calling for the protection of civilians and compliance with international law. They welcomed both the release of the two hostages and the arrival of the first humanitarian convoys to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
The leaders said in the statement they were “determined to continue to coordinate with partners in the region to ensure sustained and safe access to food, water, medical supplies and other assistance necessary to meet humanitarian needs “.
Israel and Hamas at war
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