The WH Hints at Potential Policy Shift if Israel Fails to Address Civilian Harm
Biden Speaks with Israel’s Netanyahu Following WCK Aid Workers’ Deaths
by [Editor’s Name], April 4, 2024
President Joe Biden spoke with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, their first conversation since seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers were tragically killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
Biden strongly condemned the incident, expressing his outrage with the Israeli airstrikes, which were claimed to be unintentional by Israel.
According to a White House readout of the call, Biden stressed to Netanyahu that the strikes on the WCK food relief workers, as well as the overall humanitarian crisis in Gaza, are “unacceptable.”
The readout suggested that for the first time, the White House hinted at the possibility of a change in U.S. policy regarding Gaza if Israel fails to take action to better protect civilians and aid workers.
In the call, Biden made it clear that Israel should announce and implement specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers. The readout emphasized that U.S. policy toward Gaza will be based on Israel’s immediate action regarding these steps.
International Calls for Investigation and Change
World Central Kitchen has called for an independent investigation into the airstrikes that targeted their convoy. The aid organization has suggested that the strike was intentional, despite Israeli officials’ claim that it was unintentional. World Central Kitchen has called on the U.S., Australia, Canada, Poland, and the United Kingdom to join them in urging a third-party probe into the events.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking in Brussels, has also warned of a potential change in U.S. policy if necessary changes in Gaza are not observed, although specifics have not been outlined.
Israeli Response and Ongoing Tensions
A senior adviser for Netanyahu dismissed claims by World Central Kitchen that the strike was intentional as “absurd.” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant assured Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that a thorough and transparent investigation is underway and findings will be shared with international partners.
Since their last call on March 18, tensions have continued to escalate between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu. Both leaders face political pressures at home as the Israel-Hamas conflict enters its sixth month.
Biden’s Concern for Hostages and Support for Israel
During their discussion, Biden emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire agreement to secure the release of hostages and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Iranian threats against Israel were also discussed, with Biden reaffirming the United States’ strong support for Israel in the face of these threats.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
