Biden urges Netanyahu to act swiftly to address Gaza crisis, hints at policy shift

In a significant development in the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, US has urged Israel to take immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and protect civilians.

During a recent phone call, President Joe Biden issued a stern warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicating that the United States' policy regarding the ongoing Gaza crisis could shift if immediate action is not taken to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers.

The call came after a deadly strike that killed seven aid workers from the José Andrés-run World Central Kitchen, raising concerns over the safety of aid workers and the escalating crisis. 

Biden emphasized the need for specific, concrete, and measurable steps to mitigate civilian harm and improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, signalling a growing sense of urgency and a shift in US rhetoric towards the ongoing conflict.

This marks a notable shift in Biden's rhetoric, as he has previously expressed unwavering support for Israel's actions in Gaza. 

The President's call for an "immediate ceasefire" and his insistence on tangible steps to protect civilians and aid workers underscore a growing sense of urgency and concern over the escalating crisis.

The Biden administration's stance on Gaza has been evolving, with increasing pressure from prominent Democrats to condition military aid to Israel based on its actions in the region.

Senator Chris Coons, a close ally of President Biden, indicated that the US is at a critical juncture where conditions may need to be placed on military assistance to Israel. 

The changing dynamic reflects a broader shift in US-Israel relations, with a focus on accountability and the protection of civilians in the conflict.