U.S. President Joe Biden had a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, as stated by the White House.

The president and the prime minister discussed ongoing hostage negotiations, the situation in Gaza, and the urgent need to ensure humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians in desperate need, according to the statement.

"The President also raised the situation in Rafah, and reiterated his view that a military operation should not proceed without a credible and executable plan for ensuring the safety of and support for the civilians in Rafah," the statement added.