U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House on Monday to discuss the escalating crisis in Gaza, as international calls for a ceasefire grow louder.
During their meeting in the Oval Office, President Biden emphasized the urgency of securing the release of hostages held in Gaza. “Our top priority is the safe return of all hostages,” Biden stated. “We are working tirelessly to achieve this goal.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s commitment to resolving the crisis. “Israel is determined to restore peace and security,” he said. “The release of our citizens is paramount.”
Calls for Ceasefire from Global Leaders
Meanwhile, leaders from Egypt, France, and Jordan convened in Cairo to address the situation. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II jointly called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. They stressed that governance of the territory should return to the Palestinian Authority to ensure stability.
“Protecting civilians and ensuring humanitarian access are obligations under international law,” the leaders stated in a joint declaration. “We call for an end to all actions that undermine the peace process.”
Escalation of Conflict
The conflict intensified after Israel resumed military operations in Gaza following a temporary ceasefire. Israeli officials claimed the actions were in response to Hamas’s refusal to release hostages. However, Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement and escalating the conflict.
According to Gaza’s health authorities, recent escalations have resulted in significant casualties, with many civilians affected.
United Nations Appeals for Action
The heads of six United Nations agencies issued a joint statement urging the international community to take decisive action to restore peace in Gaza. They emphasized the dire humanitarian situation faced by over 2 million people in the enclave.
“We cannot stand by while humanitarian aid is blocked and innocent civilians suffer,” the UN agencies warned. “Immediate action is needed to alleviate the crisis.”
Looking Ahead
The international community continues to push for a resolution to the conflict. An upcoming conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia aims to pave the way for the implementation of a two-state solution, offering hope for lasting peace in the region.
