Israel’s Netanyahu Rebuffs Biden’s Call for ‘Significant De-escalation’ of Attacks on Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rebuffed U.S. President Joe Biden’s call for “a significant reduction” in Israel’s bombardment of Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip leading to a cease-fire in the 10 days of hostilities.

Instead, Prime Minister Netanyahu said in a statement he is “determined to continue this operation until its aim is met.” Since the fighting began May 10, Israeli strikes have killed at least 217 Palestinians, including at least 63 children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Militant rocket attacks have killed at least 12 Israelis, including a 6-year-old child.