Biden calls Israel's military offensive in Gaza, 'over the top'

President Joe Biden says Israel's military offensive in Gaza is "over the top," as the nation state wages a war in Gaza to try to remove the Palestinian-affiliated militant group Hamas that controls the region. 

The president also said he is trying to negotiate with a Hamas delegation based in Egypt for a pause in the fighting and a hostage-release deal, according to NBC News.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rejected Hamas' ceasefire proposal, which included the release of 1,500 Palestinians for 130 men, women and children kidnapped by the terrorist group on Oct. 7, 2023.

Netanyahu expressed confidence that Israel's operation in Gaza will be over in months, stating that they are on the way "to an absolute victory."

The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that over 27,900 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began last year. 

Critics of the war are also calling for more humanitarian efforts in the region to help civilians.