Biden and Netanyahu Discuss 'Common Goal' of Defeating Hamas and Ensuring Security for Refugees in Rafah

U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone on Sunday morning, February 11. According to a White House statement, Biden emphasized the 'common goal' of both countries to defeat Hamas and ensure the long-term security of Israel and its people. Ongoing efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas were also discussed during the call between the U.S. and Israeli leaders. The statement noted that the U.S. President stressed the need to invest in the progress made in negotiations to ensure the release of all hostages as soon as possible. Biden also called for immediate and specific actions to increase humanitarian aid delivered to 'innocent' Palestinian civilians. The U.S. President reiterated that military operations in Rafah should not continue without a valid and actionable plan to ensure the safety and support of over one million Palestinian refugees sheltering in the area. Biden and Netanyahu agreed to remain in close contact during their Sunday morning conversation. This was Biden's first call with Netanyahu since he described Israel's response in Gaza as 'excessive.' Netanyahu stated in an interview with Fox News that he had not spoken with Biden since that comment and was unsure of its meaning. In another interview with ABC News, when asked how many hostages were still alive, Netanyahu said, 'Enough to justify the efforts we are making.' Netanyahu: 'There are still enough hostages alive to justify the war in Gaza.' Claims by a UN reporter regarding 'victims of October 7' angered Israel. Netanyahu: 'Those who tell us not to enter Rafah are saying do not win against Hamas.' Israel reported the discovery of Hamas tunnels beneath the main UNRWA headquarters in Gaza. Israeli airstrikes on Rafah killed over 30 people. Hezbollah's rocket fire towards Israel coincided with the arrival of the Iranian Foreign Minister in Lebanon. Israel shot down a 'suspicious aerial target' in the north of the country.