Obama Speaks with Netanyahu, Offers to Broker Ceasefire with Hamas

Local Editor

US President Barack Obama on Thursday told "Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu he was worried fierce fighting with Hamas in Gaza could escalate, and offered US help to broker a ceasefire.

Obama spoke to Netanyahu as the "Israeli" warplanes continued to pound the besieged Palestinian enclave.

"The president expressed concern about the risk of further escalation and emphasized the need for all sides to do everything they can to protect the lives of civilians and restore calm," the White House said in a statement.

It further mentioned that "the United States remains prepared to facilitate a cessation of hostilities, including a return to the November 2012 ceasefire agreement."
The White House statement said that Obama told Netanyahu that he understood ""Israel" had a right to defend itself and that he condemned rocket attacks by Hamas and other militant groups launched from Gaza."

The two leaders also discussed the effort to conclude a deal on curtailing Iran's nuclear program by an approaching July 20 deadline. Netanyahu has previously expressed deep skepticism of the U.S. approach toward Iran.

The two allies further discussed Iran. Obama says the US won't accept any deal that doesn't ensure Iran's nuclear program is peaceful.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team