Biden conditions US support for Gaza war on 'concrete' steps to protect civilians
For the first time in the ongoing Oct. 7 war, the White House signaled it would condition its support for Israel's campaign in Gaza if Israel does not take take "immediate" steps to protect civilians and humanitarian aid workers.
WASHINGTON / PARIS — The White House on Thursday signaled a potential change to its support for Israel's war in Gaza if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government does not implement "specific, concrete and measurable steps" to limit further harm to civilians and aid workers in the war.
US President Joe Biden communicated the condition to Netanyahu during a call on Thursday, as the US administration weathers rising domestic and international pressure to exert its leverage on Israel's government to halt the war.
"President Biden emphasized that the strikes on humanitarian workers and the overall humanitarian situation are unacceptable," a White House readout of the call read.
"He made clear the need for Israel to announce and implement a series of specific, concrete and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering and the safety of aid workers," it continued.
