Islam Times - Obama defends Israel, calls for truce

Islam Times - US President Barack Obama has once again supported Israeli offensive against Palestinians in Gaza but called for "immediate ceasefire" between the two sides.

Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on the phone on Sunday about Israel's military operation in the besieged Gaza Strip, the White House said in a statement

"The President discussed Israel’s ongoing military operation, reiterated the United States’ condemnation of attacks by Hamas against Israel, and reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself," White House stated.

"The President also raised serious concern about the growing number of casualties, including increasing Palestinian civilian deaths in Gaza and the loss of Israeli soldiers."

Obama’s talk with Netanyahu was the second after the first one held on Friday in which he also supported Israeli military assault against Gazans.

"We've indicated although we support military efforts by the Israelis to make sure that rockets are not being fired into their territory, we also have said that our understanding is the current military ground operations are designed to deal with the tunnels," Obama told reporters Friday. "And we are hopeful that Israel will continue to approach this process in a way that minimizes civilian casualties."

The number of the Palestinians killed in 14 days of the Israeli war on the besieged Gaza Strip has risen to around 500. Palestinian medics announced the deaths of 38 people on Monday, noting that more than 100 people had been killed across Gaza a day earlier.

The UN Security Council voiced concern about the increasing number of Palestinian casualties in Gaza issuing a new appeal for an immediate ceasefire.

"The members of the Security Council express serious concern about the growing numbers of casualties," said Rwandan Ambassador Eugene Richard Gasana, whose country chairs the 15-member council.

Thousands of people have rallied in different countries, including the US, France, Vienna, Sweden and the Netherlands, to protest Israel's offensive.