This Sunday, US President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a telephone conversation to comply with International Humanitarian Law within the framework of the military offensive against the Gaza Strip.

“The president has reiterated that Israel has every right and responsibility to defend its citizens from terrorism and has stressed the need to do so in a manner consistent with International Humanitarian Law that prioritizes the protection of civilians,” the White House reported. it's a statement.

This is the first time that Biden has so openly defended the need for Israel to respect International Humanitarian Law since the start of retaliatory military operations launched in the Gaza Strip in response to attacks by Hamas militias against Israeli territory in the past. October 7.

“The president has highlighted the need to immediately and significantly increase humanitarian aid to meet the needs of Gaza civilians,” Washington stressed.

The conversation also discussed “the ongoing efforts to locate and secure the release of the hostages” and the American citizens who remain missing and could be held hostage by Hamas.