Biden and Netanyahu Phone Call; John Kirby: The U.S. Still Opposes a General Ceasefire

On Friday, January 19, U.S. President Joe Biden held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the latest developments regarding the Israel-Gaza war. The White House is expected to release a statement about this call shortly. In this context, John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, stated that Biden discussed Israel's responsibility to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza during the call. According to him, Biden welcomed Israel's decision to allow flour into the Gaza Strip. Kirby added that the U.S. President remains hopeful for a two-state solution. This American diplomat also mentioned that significant efforts are still needed to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. He stated that the United States still opposes a general ceasefire in Gaza, as such a move would benefit Hamas. However, Kirby noted that the U.S. supports humanitarian pauses to facilitate the release of hostages and allow more aid to reach Gaza residents. Russia's Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that it had requested a Hamas delegation visiting the country to release hostages, including three Russian citizens. According to the Foreign Ministry's statement, Mikhail Bogdanov, Deputy Foreign Minister, discussed ongoing conflicts amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza that has reached 'disastrous proportions' during a meeting with Moussa Abu Marzouk, a member of Hamas's political bureau. The statement added that the Russian side emphasized the 'urgent need for the immediate release of civilians captured during the attacks on October 7, 2023, including three Russian citizens.' The Russian Foreign Ministry also reported a separate meeting between Bogdanov and Simona Halperin, the Israeli ambassador in Moscow. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the country supports a comprehensive resolution of Middle Eastern issues based on UN Security Council decisions. According to the statement, the Israeli ambassador was informed of 'Russia's targeted diplomatic efforts for the immediate and unconditional release of civilians in the Gaza Strip, including Russians.' The European Union Council announced on Friday the establishment of a 'specific framework of restrictive measures' under which the EU will hold accountable any individual or entity that supports, facilitates, or enables violent actions by Hamas or Islamic Jihad. Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, stated that this decision shows the Union's readiness to take decisive steps to confront the brutality displayed on October 7. He stated that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live in 'just, sustainable, and secure peace.' The six individuals sanctioned are citizens of Arab or African countries, and following Friday's sanctions, their assets will be frozen, and they will be barred from traveling to the EU. The new sanctions framework will last for one year until Sunday, January 19, 2025, and will be subject to ongoing review and renewal or amendment as necessary. Borrell accused the Israeli government on Friday during remarks at the University of Valladolid in Spain of having previously financially supported Hamas to weaken the Palestinian Authority. The senior EU diplomat refrained from providing further details about this accusation. Netanyahu has previously strongly rejected this accusation, which has also been raised by some media outlets. In another part of his remarks, Borrell stated that the only peaceful solution is to establish a state for Palestinians and that, contrary to Israeli views, 'imposing' a two-state solution 'from the outside' would bring peace. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Friday that he had asked Netanyahu during a phone call to significantly reduce the level of violence against Palestinians. The Dutch Prime Minister also requested that his Israeli counterpart allow more humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip by creating an 'immediate' pause in the war. He stated that Israel must allow much more humanitarian aid to enter at a much faster pace. The Israeli army announced that on Friday afternoon, it targeted a 'suspicious target' inside Lebanon with a guided missile. The Jerusalem Post reported, citing the Israeli army, that the target did not enter Israel and the incident has ended. This comes as the Israeli army had earlier reported the identification and destruction of an infiltrating drone from Lebanon into Israel by the Iron Dome system. The Palestinian Red Crescent accused the Israeli army on Friday of injuring some Palestinian refugees during an attack on the Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza. According to Reuters, Israeli tanks are also approaching the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, and local residents reported heavy clashes between Israel and Hamas. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry announced on Friday that 142 Palestinians were killed during the past 24 hours of clashes, and 278 others were injured. According to this health authority, so far, 24,762 Palestinians living in Gaza have been killed during the Israeli invasion of this densely populated strip. Hamas has consistently refrained from mentioning the number of its members killed during the Israeli invasion aimed at destroying this Islamist group. The Persian section of Voice of America cannot independently verify the statistics provided by Hamas. During the terrorist attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, and more than 240 others, including women, children, and the elderly, were taken hostage. The United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have listed Hamas as a terrorist organization. Discussions between the defense ministers of Israel and the U.S. regarding the latest developments in the war in Gaza. The Israeli army reported the killing of a senior Islamic Jihad official in Gaza. The Houthis promised maritime security in the Red Sea to Russia and China. The European Parliament passed a resolution for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza; Hamas must be dismantled, and all hostages must be released. Netanyahu confirmed direct conflict with the Islamic Republic: Who said we wouldn't attack Iran? Netanyahu reiterated the continuation of the war until the complete destruction of Hamas; we will fight with all our strength. Reuters: Hezbollah rejected the U.S. proposal for 'de-escalation.' France: The EU will impose new sanctions against Hamas. Israeli forces are advancing in Khan Younis. The Israeli army: 'At least 40 Hamas militants' were killed in one day. A World Health Organization official: The healthcare system in Gaza is collapsing. Tensions continue in the region; the likelihood of war between Israel and Lebanon has increased. U.S. Secretary of State: Israel will not achieve 'real security' without establishing a Palestinian state. Guterres: The warring parties in Gaza are violating the Geneva Conventions. Qatar says the best way to stop Houthi attacks is to end the war in Gaza. The EU added the Hamas leader in Gaza to the 'terrorist sanctions' list. Saudi Arabia: Resolving the Palestinian issue paves the way for recognizing Israel.