US President Joe Biden called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the war in Gaza a mistake and called for his government to allow aid into Gaza, ramping up pressure on Israel to reach a ceasefire and widening a rift between the staunch allies that has worsened as the war against Hamas continues.
The Associated Press reported that Biden's patience with Netanyahu appeared to have been beginning to run out as his administration has taken a more stern line with Israel, further distancing the US's stance on the Jewish State and Biden's personal outspoken support for the war.
In an interview conducted by Spanish-language broadcaster Univision, Biden's most recent comments highlighted the differences between Israel and the US over humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, where a months-long war had led to warnings of imminent famine.
"What he's doing is a mistake. I don't agree with his approach," he told Univision's Enrique Acevedo in response to being asked if Netanyahu was prioritizing his political survival over the national interest.
The interview was conducted on April 3, two days after an Israeli strike on a World Central Kitchen convoy that killed seven volunteers.
Biden said Israel should agree to a cease-fire, 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 added.
Other disagreements between Biden and Netanyahu include Israel's plans to push an offensive in the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah, which Israeli military officials say was Hamas's final major stronghold, but more than half of Gaza's 2.3 million people were also currently seeking shelter there.
Hunger in Gaza overshadowed the Muslim holiday of Eid'l Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Israel halted aid deliveries to Gaza in the early days of the war, but under U.S. pressure slowly increased, trucks were allowed to enter the territory.
Still, aid groups have complained that supplies are not reaching desperate people quickly enough, blaming Israeli restrictions, and countries have attempted other ways to deliver them, including airdrops and by sea.
At the same time, Netanyahu vowed to achieve "total victory" in the war, pledging to destroy Hamas' military and governing capabilities to prevent a repeat of the Oct. 7 attacks and to return the hostages.
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