Israel's strategy to cut off water, food and electricity to Gaza – where half the population are children – adds to the suffering of Palestinian civilians who had nothing to do with the brutal Oct 7 attack on Israel, Obama wrote.
"It’s therefore important that those of us supporting Israel in its time of need encourage a strategy that can incapacitate Hamas while minimizing further civilian casualties."
Israel has yet to launch a promised ground invasion to clear out Hamas, and Biden, in his visit to the war zone last week, said he implored Netanyahu to adhere to the "rules of war."
Asked about a cease-fire, Biden said Hamas abductors needed to release the hostages, "and then we'll talk."
Hamas released two Israeli hostages Monday, after letting free two American captives over the weekend.
Persons:
Barack Obama, –, Obama, Joe Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden, Netanyahu, Pope Francis, ” Biden, “, abductors
Organizations:
Israel, Israeli, White, Hamas, West Bank
Locations:
Israel, Gaza, Tel Aviv, United States