Netanyahu Rejects Biden’s Call for De-Escalation in Gaza, Says He Is ‘Determined to Continue’

Hamas official tells CNN that a ceasefire is 'imminent,' but Israel has not commented on the possible truce

President Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday to discuss Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza that has been raging since last Monday. According to the White House, Biden told Netanyahu that “he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire.”

Netanyahu appeared to reject Biden’s calls for de-escalation in comments after the conversation. “I especially appreciate the support of our friend US President Joe Biden, for the State of Israel’s right to self-defense,” Netanyahu said. “I am determined to continue this operation until its objective is achieved.”

Besides Biden’s weak comments to Netanyahu, the US has put no pressure on Israel to end its bombardment and is refusing to join international calls for a ceasefire. At the UN, the US blocked three Security Council statements on the Israeli violence and is now threatening to veto a resolution put forward by France that calls for an end to Israel’s bombing campaign.

While Netanyahu is signaling he has no interest in ending the violence, Hamas officials told CNN on Wednesday that a ceasefire is “imminent.” The officials said it could come within 24 hours. However, no Israelis have commented on the possible truce. Last week, Israel rejected a ceasefire offer that Hamas made through the Russian foreign ministry.

Israeli airstrikes continued to pound Gaza throughout Wednesday. So far, Israel’s onslaught has killed at least 227 Palestinians, including 64 children. In Israel, rockets fired from Gaza have killed at least 12 people, including two children.

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.