Biden says Netanyahu making a 'mistake' over handling of Gaza invasion

President Joe Biden on Tuesday renewed his criticisms of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government over its handling of an ongoing Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) entered the coastal region seeking to oust Hamas from power after the group staged an Oct. 7 raid in which its forces killed roughly 1,200 civilians and took more than 200 hostages. Jerusalem has since become the subject of international outcry over the reported death toll and worsening humanitarian situation in the densely populated region.

During an interview with Univision, Biden highlighted his support for a temporary humanitarian ceasefire to allow for the delivery of relief supplies into Gaza. He further reiterated his criticisms of Netanyahu, saying "I think what he’s doing is a mistake. I don’t agree with his approach," according to The Hill.

Biden previously described the Israeli offensive as "over the top" and last week urged Netanyahu to accept a humanitarian ceasefire. 

"So what I’m calling for is for the Israelis to just call for a ceasefire, allow for the next six, eight weeks, total access to all food and medicine going into the country... There’s no excuse to not provide for the medical and the food needs of those people. It should be done now," he outlined in the interview.

Israel bowed to international pressure last week and opened the Erez checkpoint in northern Gaza to expand the flow of relief aid into Gaza. A second checkpoint at Kerem Shalom remains open and links southern Gaza with Israel while the third remaining entry point into Gaza is at Rafah, which lies on the Egyptian border.

Rafah has become the subject of a public spat between Biden and Netanyahu. The pivotal border crossing has become point of refuge for many Gazans who have fled the Israeli bombardment and Biden has repeatedly warned Israel against attacking it. Netanyahu, for his part, has indicated that IDF forces have already set the date for such an operation.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.