The president of the United States Joe Biden phoned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing US support for the ceasefire but reiterating “its firm support for Israel’s right to defend itself against indiscriminate rocket attacks”. This was announced by the White House.
Biden, the statement reads, “spoke today with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The president reiterated his firm support for Israel’s right to defend itself against indiscriminate missile attacks. The president welcomed efforts to address intercommunal violence and restore calm to Jerusalem. He encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians. ”
“The two leaders discussed progress in Israel’s military operations against Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza. The president expressed its support for a ceasefire and discussed the U.S. engagement with Egypt and other partners to that end. The two leaders agreed that they and their staff would remain in close contact. “
According to a diplomatic source aware of the initiatives to agree a truce, Israel and Hamas are “close” to an agreement for a ceasefire, a diplomatic source tells the Times of Israel. According to the same source, the agreement should be reached “within two days at the latest”. In the meantime, Israel has decided to partially open the Kerem Shalom crossing with Gaza tomorrow, allowing the entry of fuel to power the only power plant in the Gaza Strip, explains ‘Sky News Arabia’.