Biden Tells Netanyahu Future U.S. Support Depends On Israel Protecting Civilians In Gaza [Video]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden on Thursday called for an “immediate cease-fire” in Gaza, telling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that future U.S. support for the country’s military offensive will depend on whether Israel takes concrete steps to protect civilians and humanitarian workers in the Palestinian enclave.

The president’s comments are the first time he has threatened conditioning aid to the U.S.’s strongest ally in the Middle East during the last six months of violence in Gaza.

In a call with the prime minister, the first since March 18, Biden said that the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza is “unacceptable” and that Israel must announce and implement “measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering and the safety of aid workers,” according to a readout from the White House.

“He made clear that U.S. policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these steps.”

Just hours after Biden’s call, …