Biden tells Netanyahu US working to ensure water, food, medicine for civilians: White House

Biden tells Netanyahu US working to ensure water, food, medicine for civilians: White House

Nbsp; US President Joenbsp;Bidennbsp;told Israeli Prime Minister Benjaminnbsp;Netanyahunbsp;on Saturday that Washington was working with the United Nations and Middle Eastern countries quot;to ensure innocent civilians have access to water, food, and medical care.quot; The phone call between the leaders came asnbsp;Israelnbsp;appeared poised for a ground offensive againstnbsp;Hamasnbsp;militants innbsp;Gaza, where an Israeli blockade had cut off basic necessities to the crowded enclave. quot;President Biden affirmed his support for all efforts to protect civilians,quot; the White House said in a statement about the phone call between the leaders, which did not specifically mention Gaza. quot;President Biden discussed with Prime Minister Netanyahu US coordination with the United Nations, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and others in the region to ensure innocent civilians have access to water, food, and medical care,quot; the White House said. Biden also spoke Saturday with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmud Abbas, and underscored Palestinians#39; quot;right to dignity and self-determination,quot; the White House said. quot;Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people#39;s right to dignity and self-determination,quot; Biden told Abbas, according to a White House statement about the conversation between the two leaders. Biden in the call also pledged quot;full supportquot; to the Palestinian Authority in its efforts to bring humanitarian assistance to