Washington: US President Joe Biden expressed his support for a ceasefire after eight days of violence between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza.
Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US was working with Egypt and other countries on halting hostilities.
But the US again blocked a UN Security Council statement calling for a cessation of violence.
The White House initially said it would only support a cease-fire if both parties to the conflict choose to pursue one; President Biden urged a cease-fire late in the day.
The conflict is now in its second week, with little sign of ending.
The Biden administration viewed the strike on the building as a major strategic mistake, particularly because it turned some public opinion against Israel in the United States, the source said.
Biden spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, their third conversation since the violence erupted.
The White House said Biden “encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians” and that the two leaders “discussed progress in Israel’s military operations against Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza.”
