Netanyahu making a ‘mistake’ in Gaza, says US President Joe Biden

U.S. President Biden voices disapproval of Netanyahu’s actions in the Gaza conflict, emphasizing the need for a cease-fire and humanitarian aid in Gaza

In his most severe condemnation yet of the harrowing conflict in Gaza, U.S. President Joe Biden delivers a stern message to Israeli leaders, urging them to “just call a cease-fire” and characterizing their ongoing military actions as a “mistake.”

“I think what he’s doing is a mistake. I don’t agree with his approach,” Biden asserted in an interview with Spanish-language TV network Univision, which aired on Tuesday night.

He implored Netanyahu to “just call for a cease-fire, allow for the next six, eight weeks, total access to all food and medicine going into the country,” marking a notable shift in tone from Israel’s principal ally and military supporter.

Biden’s remarks coincide with efforts by U.S., Qatari and Egyptian mediators to advance negotiations for a truce and the release of hostages.

These negotiations also entail proposals for increased aid deliveries to address a deepening hunger crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Despite Israel’s assertions that it is not restricting aid and has complied with demands from the U.S. and the United Nations to augment deliveries, the government faces pressure from the country’s Supreme Court, which has set a Wednesday deadline to demonstrate tangible efforts in boosting the flow of humanitarian goods.

Israel using starvation as a method of war

The Supreme Court deadline stems from a case initiated by five non-governmental organizations (NGOs) accusing Israel of impeding the entry of relief items and failing to furnish necessities to Gazans.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) disclosed on Tuesday that, in the face of reports indicating an impending famine, over 40% of food delivery missions were denied in February and March.

Moreover, none of the UNRWA food convoys have received approval since March.

Humanitarian agencies have leveled accusations against Israel, alleging the employment of starvation as a method of warfare in Gaza, where U.N. experts estimate that 1.1 million people – constituting half the population – are grappling with “catastrophic” food insecurity.

Source: Newsroom