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US President Joe Biden has discussed the Israel-Hamas war with leaders of major Western powers, the White House said, as Israel intensified its attacks on Gaza.
Biden reportedly spoke with the leaders of the UK, Canada, France, Germany and Italy.
“The leaders reiterated their support for Israel and its right to defend itself against terrorism and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians,” a White House readout of the discussions said.
The leaders welcomed the first shipments of humanitarian aid that reached the besieged Gaza Strip on the weekend. They pledged to continue coordination with partners in the region to “ensure sustained and safe access to food, water, medical care, and other assistance required to meet humanitarian needs,” the statement added.
It said the leaders discussed their own citizens trapped in the Israel-Hamas war, “in particular those wishing to leave Gaza.”
The leaders also welcomed the release of two hostages and called for the immediate freedom of all those who remain held captive.
Hamas militants stormed across the border into Israel on October 7, launching a raid that killed at least 1,400 people, according to Israeli officials. The network which is recognized as a terrorist organization by the US and the EU, among others, also seized more than 200 hostages.
dh/jsi,ab (AFP, AP, dpa, Reuters)
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