In a significant departure from previous diplomatic rhetoric, US President Joe Biden has delivered some of his strongest condemnation of Israel's conduct in the ongoing conflict with Hamas, labeling its approach a "mistake." As Israel faces mounting pressure on multiple fronts, including a Wednesday court deadline to demonstrate its commitment to humanitarian aid access in Gaza, Biden's remarks underscore a notable shift in tone from its traditional ally and supporter.
In an interview with Spanish-language TV network Univision aired Tuesday night, Biden expressed disagreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the conflict and called for an immediate ceasefire. Emphasizing the urgent need for unimpeded access to food and medicine in Gaza, Biden urged Netanyahu to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries over the next few weeks.
Biden's comments coincide with ongoing mediation efforts led by the US, Qatar, and Egypt to broker a truce and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. The proposed deal also seeks to address the escalating hunger crisis in Gaza by increasing aid shipments to the beleaguered territory.
Despite Israel's assertions that it has not restricted aid access, it faces mounting scrutiny, with the country's Supreme Court imposing a Wednesday deadline to demonstrate tangible steps to enhance the flow of humanitarian goods. The court case, initiated by five NGOs, accuses Israel of obstructing relief efforts and failing to meet the basic needs of Gazans.
Amid reports of imminent famine and stark warnings from UN agencies about the dire food insecurity situation in Gaza, concerns have escalated over the humanitarian toll of the conflict. UNRWA reported that a significant portion of food delivery missions had been denied in recent months, exacerbating the crisis for Gaza's vulnerable population.
While Israel's agency overseeing supplies into Gaza, COGAT, has reported increased aid shipments in recent days, humanitarians and UN experts continue to raise alarm over the persistent challenges in addressing the pressing humanitarian needs of Gaza's residents.
In an interview with Spanish-language TV network Univision aired Tuesday night, Biden expressed disagreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the conflict and called for an immediate ceasefire. Emphasizing the urgent need for unimpeded access to food and medicine in Gaza, Biden urged Netanyahu to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries over the next few weeks.
Biden's comments coincide with ongoing mediation efforts led by the US, Qatar, and Egypt to broker a truce and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. The proposed deal also seeks to address the escalating hunger crisis in Gaza by increasing aid shipments to the beleaguered territory.
Despite Israel's assertions that it has not restricted aid access, it faces mounting scrutiny, with the country's Supreme Court imposing a Wednesday deadline to demonstrate tangible steps to enhance the flow of humanitarian goods. The court case, initiated by five NGOs, accuses Israel of obstructing relief efforts and failing to meet the basic needs of Gazans.
Amid reports of imminent famine and stark warnings from UN agencies about the dire food insecurity situation in Gaza, concerns have escalated over the humanitarian toll of the conflict. UNRWA reported that a significant portion of food delivery missions had been denied in recent months, exacerbating the crisis for Gaza's vulnerable population.
While Israel's agency overseeing supplies into Gaza, COGAT, has reported increased aid shipments in recent days, humanitarians and UN experts continue to raise alarm over the persistent challenges in addressing the pressing humanitarian needs of Gaza's residents.
