President Joe Biden issued a stern call to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza war, marking a significant shift in the U.S. stance toward its ally amidst the escalating humanitarian crisis.

This call marked the strongest U.S. rebuke of Israel since the war began, underscoring the urgency of addressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza.

Biden "made clear the need for Israel to announce and implement a series of specific, concrete and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering and the safety of aid workers," as per a White House readout.

According to Reuters, the White House’s demand for concrete ceasefire actions highlighted a departure from unwavering support, emphasizing the need for Israel to mitigate civilian harm and ensure aid worker safety.

The Trigger: The Israel Attack On The World Central Kitchen

The catalyst for this abrupt policy reassessment was an Israeli military operation that tragically killed seven individuals associated with the World Central Kitchen, a charity led by the renowned chef José Andrés.

Additionally, Biden reiterated “that an immediate ceasefire is essential to stabilize and improve the humanitarian situation and protect innocent civilians,” urging Netanyahu to finalize a deal without delay.

In response to the outcry and the U.S. president’s demands, Israel has committed to adjusting its military tactics in Gaza, acknowledging the attack as a misidentification. Israeli authorities have promised a swift inquiry into the incident, with findings expected to be disclosed to the public imminently.

Netanyahu maintained a defiant posture, emphasizing Israel’s actions as defensive measures against Iran and its proxies.

“We will know how to defend ourselves and we will act according to the simple principle of whoever harms us or plans to harm us, we will harm them,” he said during a cabinet meeting.

Israeli stocks tumbled Thursday, with the iShares MSCI Israel ETF (NYSE:EIS) closing 3.9% lower, marking the worst-performing day since Oct. 9, 2023, the day following Hamas’ attacks.

Read now: Iran’s Revenge Promise Against Israel Is Taking Down Its Stock Market — But Large Tech Companies Appear Immune

Photo: Shutterstock