United States President Joe Biden called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to conclude a deal on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip “without delay” during their telephone conversation on Thursday. “Immediate ceasefire is essential to stabilize and improve the humanitarian situation and protect innocent civilians,” the White House shared in the statement citing the president’s remarks in the call with the Israeli prime minister. Biden stressed that attacks on “humanitarian workers” and “the overall humanitarian situation” are “unacceptable,” urging Israel to take “concrete” steps to address “civilian harm, humanitarian suffering,” and the “safety of aid workers.” The US president emphasized that Washington’s policy on Gaza would be contingent upon its evaluation of Israel’s prompt implementation of these measures.