President Biden talks with Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu as Hamas war continues

US President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (not seen) hold a joint press conference at the White House in Washington D.C., United States on October 25, 2023. (Photo by Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images)

President Biden had a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday morning, with the two leaders discussing ongoing airstrikes in Gaza.

According to the White House, Biden reaffirmed Israel's right to self-defense, but cautioned to defend itself in a humanitarian way.

"The President reiterated that Israel has every right and responsibility to defend its citizens from terrorism and underscored the need to do so in a manner consistent with international humanitarian law that prioritizes the protection of civilians," the White House said in a statement. "The President and Prime Minister discussed ongoing efforts to locate and secure the release of hostages, to include American citizens who remain unaccounted for and may be held by Hamas."

"The President underscored the need to immediately and significantly increase the flow of humanitarian assistance to meet the needs of civilians in Gaza," the statement added. "The President and the Prime Minister agreed to remain in regular consultation both directly and through their respective national security teams."

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 8,005 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, including more than 3,000 minors and 2,000 women. At least 1,400 Israelis have been murdered, mostly civilians.