US president Joe Biden backed a cease-fire during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, Biden stopped short of openly demanding a truce. The White House said that Biden "expressed his support for a cease-fire and discussed US engagement with Egypt and other partners towards that end."
The call came following reports of the US blocking a United Nations Security Council statement calling for de-escalation in the Israel-Gaza violence. Meanwhile, Gaza officials say more than 200 Palestinians have been killed and Israel pledges to continue fighting.
