Netanyahu issued a video statement on Twitter, saying: “I am determined to continue this operation until its objective is achieved: to restore quiet and security to you, citizens of Israel.”
TEL AVIV — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was determined to continue its fight against the Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip despite US President Joe Biden called for “a significant de-escalation”.
“The (US) president conveyed to the prime minister (Netanyahu) that he expected a significant de-escalation today (Wednesday) on the path to a ceasefire,” according to a statement released after what the White House said was the two leaders’ fourth call since the crisis began.
Netanyahu later in the day issued a video statement on Twitter, saying: “I am determined to continue this operation until its objective is achieved: to restore quiet and security to you, citizens of Israel.”
Netanyahu said he greatly appreciated the support of the American president, but said Israel would push ahead to “return the calm and security to you, citizens of Israel,” reports AFP.
The two leaders have held three previous talks over the phone since Israel launched its “Guardian of the Walls” offensive in Gaza on May 10.
While the Egyptian ceasefire offer was also rejected by Israel, an Egyptian diplomat said they hope France’s increasing efforts could spur the US to exert its influence on Israel and PM Netanyahu to agree to stop the fighting as soon as possible.
According to the latest data by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 219 Palestinians, including 63 children, were killed in Gaza.
In the West Bank, 25 Palestinian deaths were tallied, including four children.
Israeli sources reported 12 people killed, including two children and a soldier.
Thousands of people are injured, mainly in the West Bank and in Gaza. — Agencies
