US president speaks with Israeli prime minister

The U.S. president has called on the Israeli prime minister
to protect the civilians in the Gaza Strip.

In a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden reiterated that Israel has a right to defend itself.
However, he highlighted the importance of observing “the law of war”, including
the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip, RIA Novosti reports, citing the
White House.

“The President reaffirmed the United States’ support for
Israel’s right to defend itself and obligation to protect its citizens, while
underscoring the importance of operating consistent with the law of war to
include the protection of civilians in Gaza caught in the conflict launched by
Hamas,” reads the press release issued by the White House.

The U.S. and Israeli leaders also discussed the plans to
begin moving humanitarian assistance into Gaza from Egypt, as well as the steps
toward the release of hostages taken by Hamas.