Biden Tells Netanyahu the Need to Protect Civilians in Rafah

The White House stated that U.S. President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu again that he should not proceed with any military operation in Rafah without a good and workable plan to protect Palestinian civilians. This call between the two leaders is the second within a week, during which Biden warned Netanyahu against advancing into southern Gaza without a plan to ensure the safety of about one million Palestinians who have fled there. They also discussed ongoing negotiations regarding hostages, with Biden committing to continue working around the clock to assist in the release of those held in Gaza. Earlier this month, Biden stated that the Israeli military response in Gaza had "crossed the line" and expressed deep concern over the rising number of civilian casualties in the Palestinian territory.