Biden Voices Outrage Over Deaths of Gaza Aid Workers

Biden Voices Outrage Over Deaths of Gaza Aid Workers: In his strongest criticism yet of a close ally, President Obama expressed outrage and heartbreak over the killing of seven aid workers in Gaza.

His criticism is the latest example of his conflicted messages as his administration criticizes Netanyahu's government while doubling down on Israeli weapons.

Biden said Israel's war against Hamas didn't adequately protect innocent civilians in a White House statement Tuesday night.

When it comes to aid worker deaths, this conflict is the worst in recent memory, according to Biden. As a result, it has been very difficult to distribute humanitarian aid in Gaza - Israel hasn't done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed assistance," Biden said, describing the deceased aid workers as brave and selfless.

“Incidents like yesterday’s simply should not happen. Israel has also not done enough to protect civilians. The US has repeatedly urged Israel to deconflict their military operations against Hamas with humanitarian operations, in order to avoid civilian casualties.”

Biden said an investigation that Israel has promised to carry out into the incident “must be swift, it must bring accountability, and its findings must be made public”.

“The United States will continue to do all we can to deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, through all available means,” he said.

“I will continue to press Israel to do more to facilitate that aid. And we are pushing hard for an immediate ceasefire as part of a hostage deal. I have a team in Cairo working on this right now.”

Their convoy was attacked after unloading food aid in Gaza's Deir el-Balah city on Monday night.

A US-Canadian dual citizen, an Australian, a Pole, a Palestinian and three Brits were killed in the attack.

He called it "tragic" and unintended, and acknowledged Israel's responsibility.

In a video statement, Netanyahu said, "Our forces unintentionally harmed non-combatants yesterday in the Gaza Strip."

“This happens in war. We are conducting a thorough inquiry and are in contact with the governments. We will do everything to prevent a recurrence.”

Despite insisting that civilians must be protected, Biden wants Israel to get more weapons, including fighter jets worth $18 billion.

Biden's handling of the war has triggered blowback from progressives, rights activists, Arab Americans, and Muslims.

Two people familiar with the situation told Al Jazeera that Biden's support for Israel prompted the White House to cancel an iftar meal planned for Ramadan.

Besides the $3.8 billion in annual military aid, Biden approved two emergency weapons shipments worth more than $250 million since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.

Al Jazeera's sources say Muslim community leaders warned leaders not to go.

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