US President Joe Biden has once again cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that the approach taken in Gaza is flawed. He has urged Netanyahu to implement an immediate ceasefire. Biden is not advocating for a complete ceasefire but has stated, "I am simply asking the Israelis for a ceasefire over the next six to eight weeks, to allow for the delivery of food and medical supplies to Gaza."
The United Nations Security Council has already passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire; however, Netanyahu does not appear to be halting his actions. He is preparing his forces for an attack on Rafah, one of the few relatively safe areas in Gaza. The US itself has consented to certain conditions for a ceasefire and participated in the voting. In a recent interview, Biden called Netanyahu's Gaza policy a 'mistake'.
Also Read: Israel prepares for ground operation in Gaza's safest area, putting millions of Palestinians at risk.
No US Veto on Ceasefire Demand
Although the US abstained from voting on an immediate ceasefire proposal, it did not exercise its veto power. This indicates that America also favors implementing a ceasefire in Gaza, but Biden has consistently maintained the stance that Netanyahu should enforce an immediate ceasefire to ensure the supply of food and medicines to Gaza.
Conversation with Netanyahu 'Offensive'
President Joe Biden and his administration have been continuously appealing to Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire. Biden mentioned, "I believe what he is doing is a mistake. I do not concur with his perspective." He reiterated that a tense phone call with Netanyahu, following a drone attack by Israel in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers from a US-based charity, was 'offensive'.
Also Read: Amidst Israeli onslaught, Gaza reveals scenes of ruin: collapsed buildings and overwhelming civilian devastation.
'Immediate Ceasefire is Essential'
Joe Biden has intensified pressure on Israel. He has vehemently called for a ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza. Biden disclosed discussions with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, agreeing to send food and medicine to Gaza. He emphasized that there should be no excuses and that an immediate ceasefire is imperative.
