US president speaks by phone with Pope Francis, Israeli prime minister

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) – US President Joe Biden held phone calls on Sunday with Pope Francis and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to the White House.

During his call with the Pope, Biden condemned “the barbarous attack” by the Palestinian group Hamas against Israeli civilians and affirmed the need to protect civilians in Gaza.

“He discussed his recent visit to Israel and his efforts to ensure delivery of food, medicine and other humanitarian assistance to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” the statement added.

Pope Francis and Biden also discussed the importance of averting an increase in tensions within the area and striving for a long-lasting peace in the Middle East.

During his phone call with Netanyahu, Biden spoke about the unfolding events in Gaza and “in the surrounding region,” said the White House.

“The president welcomed the first two convoys of humanitarian assistance since Hamas’s Oct. 7 terrorist attack, which crossed the border into Gaza and is being distributed to Palestinians in need,” it said.

Both leaders confirmed that vital aid will continue to be supplied to Gaza without interruption.

“The president (also) expressed appreciation for Israel’s support in helping to accommodate the release of two American hostages,” the statement said.

Biden and Netanyahu also discussed the ongoing efforts aimed at securing the release of all remaining hostages, including US citizens, who have been taken by Hamas.

They also discussed arrangements to ensure the safe departure of US citizens and other civilians in Gaza who desire to leave.

“At the same time, Prime Minister Netanyahu and I have discussed how Israel must operate by the laws of war. That means protecting civilians in combat as best as they can,” Biden said on X.

He reiterated US support for Israel’s “right to defend itself.”

“We must make sure they have what they need to protect their people today and always,” he added.

He also said the two-state solution must not be abandoned.

The conflict in Gaza, which has been under Israeli bombardment and a blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.

It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

At least 4,651 Palestinians including 1,873 children and 1,023 women have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza. More than 1,400 Israelis have been killed in the conflict.