US President Joe Biden held discussions on the Israel-Hamas conflict with leaders of major Western powers on Sunday.
President Biden spoke with the leaders of the United Kingdom, 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.
It said the leaders discussed their own citizens trapped in the Israel-Hamas war, “in particular those wishing to leave Gaza.” Fighting raged unchecked and scores more were killed in air strikes by Israel in Gaza as the humanitarian situation in the enclave worsened.
A convoy of 17 aid trucks arrived in Gaza to address critical shortages in the Hamas-run territory.
The conflict began when Hamas militants crossed the border into Israel on October 7, resulting in a raid that claimed the lives of at least 1,400 people, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel has responded with a sustained bombing campaign that has led to over 4,600 Palestinian casualties, primarily civilians, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry.
The Western leaders voiced commitment to coordinate “to ensure sustained and safe access to food, water, medical care, and other assistance required to meet humanitarian needs.”
They also pledged close diplomatic coordination “to prevent the conflict from spreading, preserve stability in the Middle East, and work toward a political solution and durable peace.”
Participants in the call included President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
