Biden Urges Netanyahu to Avoid Rafah Offensive, Reach Ceasefire with Hamas
President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday about the potential offensive on the Gaza city of Rafah.
The US opposes the invasion due to the large number of civilians, over 1 million, seeking shelter there after seven months of war between Israel and Hamas.
Biden expressed concerns about the humanitarian situation and urged a ceasefire as the best way to protect Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
The conversation took place anonymously before an official White House statement was released.
On the eve of a White House meeting between President Biden and Jordan's King Abdullah II, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech on Israel's Holocaust memorial day, rejecting international pressure to halt the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Netanyahu vowed that Israel would stand alone if necessary and would not be deterred from defending itself against any threats.
He emphasized the importance of "never again" in the context of Israel's history and its right to self-defense.