US President Biden pledges support to Israel in preventing civilian casualties

President Joe Biden on Wednesday assured support to Israel in preventing civilian deaths during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to prioritise the safety of civilians.

"We will continue to have your back. As you work to defend your people, we will continue to work with you and partners across the region to prevent more tragedy to innocent civilians," Biden stated after a meeting with Netanyahu's war cabinet in Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu reiterated accusations that Hamas deliberately positions civilians near potential targets to use them as shields. However, he also assured Biden that Israel would do everything possible to keep civilians out of harm's way.


"We have asked them and we'll continue to ask them to move to safer areas. We will continue to work with you, Mr. President, to assure that the minimum requirements are met," Netanyahu said.

President Biden's visit to Israel comes in solidarity with Israel following Hamas attack. Just before Biden's arrival, a hospital in Gaza was struck, resulting in the deaths of nearly 500 people. The blame for the strike has sparked anger throughout the Arab world, with health authorities blaming Israel. However, Israel claims that the strike occurred due to a misfired missile by Islamic Jihad militants, a version supported by Biden.

Netanyahu said that the international outrage over the hospital strike should be directed at the terrorists rather than Israel.

"The entire world was rightfully outraged. But this outrage should be directed not at Israel, but at the terrorists," he emphasised.

Inputs from AFP