Biden and Netanyahu Speak After Over 3 Weeks of Silence

U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call regarding Gaza on Friday, marking their first conversation in nearly a month amid reports of tensions between the two leaders, according to the White House. The White House stated in a release that Biden and Netanyahu "discussed the latest developments in Israel and Gaza," mentioning that a briefing about the call would be published soon. An Israeli official revealed that today's call was positive, lasted 40 minutes, and covered several topics, including securing the release of all remaining hostages held by the Palestinian Islamic resistance movement (Hamas). The White House noted that Biden also discussed his vision for lasting peace and security for Israel, its full integration into the region, and a two-state solution while ensuring Israel's security. The call between Biden and Netanyahu comes after Red Crescent officials reported heavy gunfire from Israeli drones targeting civilians at the Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, a major city in the southern part of Gaza.