U.S. President Joe Biden voiced support for a ceasefire as intensifying violence between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza entered a second week.
During a telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden "expressed his support for a ceasefire and discussed U.S. engagement with Egypt and other partners towards that end," a White House description of the call read.
It was the third time Biden has spoken with Netanyahu in a six-day stretch, CNN reported.
The White House said Monday that Biden reiterated Israel's right to defend itself but "encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians."
They also "discussed progress in Israel's military operations against Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza."
