Biden tells Israel’s Netanyahu U.S. expects ‘a significant de-escalation today’ in Gaza

President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call Wednesday that he expects “a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire,” the White House said.

It was their fourth conversation since the violence erupted between Israel and Hamas nine days earlier.

Israel’s strikes on the Gaza Strip has led to at least 219 Palestinian deaths, according to authorities there. Israel has said more than 3,400 rockets have bombarded its cities and towns. At least 12 people have died in Israel.

“The President conveyed to the Prime Minister that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire,” according to the White House readout of the call.