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STATEMENTS AND REPORTS
President Joseph "Joe" R. Biden, Jr. spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this morning. The President and the Prime Minister discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas. The President and Prime Minister reviewed the situation in Gaza and the transition to targeted operations that will allow for the flow of increasing amounts of humanitarian aid while maintaining military pressure on Hamas and its leaders. The President welcomed the Israeli government's decision to allow the shipment of flour to the Palestinian people directly through the port of Ashdod, while our teams will work separately on options for direct maritime deliveries of aid to Gaza. The President also discussed recent progress in securing Palestinian National Authority revenues available to pay salaries, including for Palestinian security forces in the West Bank. The President spoke of Israel's responsibility to maintain military pressure on Hamas and its leaders to limit civilian harm and protect the innocent. The President also spoke of his vision of a more lasting peace and security for an Israel fully integrated within the region and of a two-state solution with Israel's security guaranteed.
Whitehouse.gov/GN.CZ-JaV_07