U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirms commitment to Israel’s security in a phone consultation
U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken to visit Israel on the 30th
Amidst the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, the United States and Israel have exchanged views on immediate ceasefires and hostage negotiations.
The White House announced on the 28th (local time) that President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security in a phone consultation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to the White House, the two leaders discussed the issue of ground warfare in Rafah.
Over a million refugees are currently residing in Rafah, the southernmost region of the Gaza Strip. In such a situation, if Israel were to launch a ground attack, the U.S. has expressed concern over the potential for significant casualties.
The two leaders reportedly reviewed the release of hostages within the Gaza Strip and a ceasefire. According to the White House, President Biden emphasized the need to work with humanitarian organizations in the Gaza Strip to expand and support aid.
On the other hand, Netanyahu’s stance remains unknown, and a ground attack on Rafah could be inevitable if ongoing negotiations with the U.S. fail.
To prevent this, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit Israel soon.
According to CNN on the same day, it is expected that Blinken is expected to visit Israel on the 30th to urge restraint in the Rafah ground operation. He is also likely to request cooperation to release the hostages.
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