The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release July 20, 2014
Readout of the President’s Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/07/20/readout-president-s-call-prime-minister-netanyahu-israel
President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke again this morning by
phone, their second call in three days to discuss the situation in Gaza.
The President discussed Israel’s ongoing military operation, reiterated the
United States’ condemnation of attacks by Hamas against Israel, and
reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself. The President also raised
serious concern about the growing number of casualties, including increasing
Palestinian civilian deaths in Gaza and the loss of Israeli soldiers.
President Obama informed the Prime Minister that Secretary of State John
Kerry will soon travel to Cairo to seek an immediate cessation of
hostilities based on a return to the November 2012 ceasefire agreement. The
President underscored that the United States will work closely with Israel
and regional partners on implementing an immediate ceasefire, and stressed
the need to protect civilians—in Gaza and in Israel.
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