Biden: Israel handling of Gaza war a mistake

US PRESIDENT Joe Biden has called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza a mistake and urged his government to flood Gaza with aid, ramping up pressure on Israel to reach a ceasefire deal and widening a rift between the two staunch allies.

Mr Biden has been an outspoken supporter of Israel’s war against Hamas since the militant group launched a deadly assault on October 7.

But in recent weeks his patience with Mr Netanyahu has appeared to be waning and his administration has taken a more stern line with Israel, rattling the countries’ decades-old alliance and deepening Israel’s international isolation over the war.

Mr Biden’s most recent comments, made in an interview that aired late Tuesday after being recorded last week, highlight the differences between Israel and the US over humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, where a war has led to warnings of imminent famine.

“What he’s doing is a mistake. I don’t agree with his approach,” Mr Biden told Spanish-language broadcaster Univision in an interview conducted on April 3, two days after an Israeli strike on a World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy, which killed seven aid workers. Israel said the incident was unintentional.

He was responding to being asked if Mr Netanyahu is prioritising his political survival over the national interest.

Mr Biden said Israel should agree to a ceasefire, flood beleaguered Gaza with aid for the next six to eight weeks and allow other countries in the region to help distribute the aid.

“It should be done now,” he said.

Other disagreements have also shaken the relationship in recent weeks of the war, including over Israel’s plans for an offensive in the southernmost Gaza city of Rafah.

Hunger in Gaza is overshadowing the Muslim holiday of Eid alfitr, a typically joyous festival during which families celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

President Joe Biden