Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President Joe Biden on Tuesday, during his first visit to the United States since the start of Israel’s conflict with Hamas.
The visit comes after Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race.
Netanyahu told reporters before departing for the US that regardless of whom US voters choose as their next president, his country remains America’s “indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East.”
He also said the meeting with Biden will be an opportunity to discuss with him how to achieve Israel’s goals of securing the release of hostages and defeating Hamas.
Netanyahu is expected to defend Israel’s military operations in Gaza and seek continued military support from the US during the talks.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military has attacked Khan Younis after ordering the evacuation of some districts in the southern Gaza city. Israeli military officials on Monday said rockets were fired from central Khan Younis by Hamas militants.
Footage taken by an NHK crew in Gaza shows a number of bodies and wounded people, including small children, being carried into a hospital in the city.
Local health authorities said Monday’s attacks on Khan Younis killed 70 people, bringing the total to 39,006.
