President Biden warns Israeli PM Netanyahu over aid workers & civilians as he calls for.. - IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE

JOE Biden last night called for a ceasefire in Gaza and warned Benjamin Netanyahu that US support in the war depends on Israel taking concrete steps to protect aid workers and civilians.

- CHRIS HUGHES, CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

The pair spoke by phone yesterday, days after Israeli airstrikes killed seven aid workers in Gaza, adding a new layer of complication to their increasingly strained relationship.

The White House said in a statement: "He [Biden] made clear the need for Israel to announce and implement specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers.

"He made clear that US policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel's immediate action on these steps." The President also told Israeli PM Netanyahu that an "immediate ceasefire is essential" and urged Israel to reach a deal without delay.

It comes as the head of aid organisation the World Central Kitchen, whose workers were killed in the strikes, said they were deliberately targeted. Three British men were among the dead.