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The White House has confirmed that President Biden spoke with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday regarding ceasefire talks and Israeli plans for a ground invasion into Rafah. 

During the call, President Biden updated Netanyahu on the efforts to negotiate a hostage deal, which included ongoing talks in Doha, Qatar. The Prime Minister, in turn, assured that the “Kerem Shalom” crossing will remain open to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need. This crossing point is crucial for delivering supplies into Gaza, and it was shut down after a rocket attack launched by Hamas killed three Israeli soldiers. 

According to the White House, Biden also reiterated his concerns about the potential for an Israeli ground invasion of Rafah. Despite these concerns, Israel has begun preparations that could lead to military action. These actions include dropping leaflets to advise civilians to move. 

Reporting from the ground has indicated that evacuations had started in parts of Rafah, indicating a possible imminent military operation. The US has consistently advised Israel against a ground invasion in Rafah, warning of the dire consequences for the civilian population there. The conflict has already resulted in significant loss of life on both sides, with tens of thousands of Palestinians and more than 1,100 Israelis reported dead.

Despite US concerns, Netanyahu has expressed his determination to dismantle Hamas, the governing body in Gaza responsible for the deadly attacks on October 7.