During a recent phone conversation, US President Biden conveyed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he does not support a prolonged year-long conflict in Gaza.
The president urged Netanyahu to expedite the transition to low-intensity fighting against Hamas, emphasizing the need to minimize harm to civilians and seeking clarity on the desired “end state.”
The conflict between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers has been ongoing for four months since the terror group’s violent actions on October 7.
Biden, in their first conversation in 27 days, expressed a lack of understanding regarding Israel’s strategy for concluding the war and requested a response for the day after its conclusion.
There is a growing divergence between Washington and Jerusalem on post-war plans, with the US advocating for a scenario that reunites Gaza with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority’s rule.
This is part of a broader diplomatic initiative aiming for a two-state solution and expanded Abraham Accords. However, Israel has rejected this vision.
The 40-minute call between the two leaders, held in good spirits, touched on ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza, according to White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels escalated their attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, with a recent strike causing a fire on the fuel tanker Marlin Luanda, operated on behalf of trading firm Trafigura. The tanker was carrying Russian naphtha bought below the G7 sanctions price cap.
Trafigura reported that a missile hit the vessel, leading to a fire in one cargo tank on the starboard side. Firefighting equipment was deployed, and military ships were en route to assist.
Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have mainly targeted container vessels, but this incident involved an oil tanker. The Free Spirit, chartered by Vitol to transport crude oil, altered its course after the Marlin Luanda attack. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and Ambrey, a British maritime security firm, received reports of vessels being struck near Yemen’s Aden, resulting in fires.
The Houthi military spokesperson claimed responsibility, stating that their naval forces targeted the “British” tanker Marlin Luanda in the Gulf of Aden, causing a fire. UKMTO reported an incident southeast of Aden, where a missile-hit vessel remained on fire, with crew members reportedly safe. Coalition warships were providing support.
Earlier incidents involved missile explosions near a ship off the port of Aden and another 60 nautical miles off Yemen’s Hodeidah port. The U.S. military confirmed intercepting an anti-ship ballistic missile from a Houthi-controlled area, preventing injuries or damage.
