Biden speaks with Netanyahu as Israelis appear closer to Rafah offensive

Joe Biden (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have spoken by phone, a White House official said, as Israel appeared closer to launching an offensive on the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

A National Security Council spokesperson said Mr Biden reiterated US concerns about an invasion of Rafah — where more than a million civilians from other parts of Gaza are sheltering after seven months of war sparked by Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel — and said he believes a ceasefire with Hamas is the best way to protect the lives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.