US president, Israeli prime minister discuss Gaza over phone

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden on Friday discussed developments in the Gaza Strip with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call.

"The President discussed Israel’s responsibility even as it maintains military pressure on Hamas and its leaders to reduce civilian harm and protect the innocent," the White House in a statement.

"The President also discussed his vision for a more durable peace and security for Israel fully integrated within the region and a two state-solution with Israel’s security guaranteed," it said.

The phone call came a day after Netanyahu said he told the US that he opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of any post-war scenario.

The Israeli prime minister pledged to continue a military campaign until Israel achieves a decisive victory against Hamas.

US officials have reportedly been at odds with Israel behind the scenes in recent weeks, and the US has long favored a two-state solution for ending the bloodshed and tension in the region.

Biden and Netanyahu also discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, according to White House.

They reviewed the situation in Gaza and the shift to targeted operations that will enable the flow of increasing amounts of humanitarian assistance while keeping the military pressure on Hamas and its leaders, the statement said.

"The President welcomed the decision from the Government of Israel to permit the shipment of flour for the Palestinian people directly through Ashdod port while our teams separately work on options for more direct maritime delivery of assistance into Gaza.

"The President also discussed the recent progress in ensuring the Palestinian Authority’s revenues are available to pay salaries, including for the Palestinian Security Forces in the West Bank," it added.

Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, which Tel Aviv says killed nearly 1,200 people.

At least 24,762 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and 62,108 injured, according to Palestinian health authorities.