US President Joe Biden and the leaders of the main Western powers, with whom he spoke, reiterated their support for Israel on Sunday, while calling for respect for international humanitarian law, according to a White House report.
Mr. Biden spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the statement said. White House.
“The leaders reiterated their support for Israel and its right to defend itself against terrorism and called for respect for international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians,” the White House said in its account of the discussions.
The statement said the leaders discussed the plight of their own citizens trapped in the war, “especially those who wish to leave the Gaza Strip.”
Fighting rages in the Palestinian enclave, where dozens of people were killed by new Israeli airstrikes on Sunday and where the humanitarian situation is deteriorating.
After the passage of 20 trucks on Saturday, a second humanitarian aid convoy arrived in Gaza on Sunday to supply the territory facing significant shortages of water, food and medical equipment. Fourteen trucks entered Gaza, a UN official said.
Hamas carried out a bloody raid against Israel on October 7, killing at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli authorities. More than 200 people were also taken hostage in the worst attack in Israel’s history.
Israel responded with a massive bombing campaign that killed more than 4,600 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
According to the White House press release, Western leaders pledged to coordinate “to ensure sustainable and safe access to food, water, medical care and other assistance necessary to meet the humanitarian needs” of the residents of Gaza.
They also promised close diplomatic coordination “to prevent the conflict from spreading, preserve stability in the Middle East and work towards a political solution and lasting peace.”
This article is originally published on .ledevoir.com