Biden presses Netanyahu on Gaza ceasefire

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Barak Ravid
·1 min read
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President Biden said in a phone call Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu that he “expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire," the White House said in a statement.

Why it matters: This is the fourth phone call between Biden and Netanyahu since the beginning of the crisis in Gaza and another sign of growing U.S. pressure on Israel to end its operation against Hamas in Gaza.

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  • Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also spoke to his Israeli counterpart Benny Gantz on Wednesday about the need for a ceasefire, Israeli officials say.

The other side: Netanyahu has resisted calls for a ceasefire and insisted there can be no time limit on Israel's operation.

Go deeper: Israel targets Hamas commanders fighting hits day 10

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