Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday said he would continue military strikes against Hamas in Gaza after US President Joe Biden called on him to de-escalate the violence.

A White House spokesperson said Biden told Netanyahu in a phone call that he expected "a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire,” Biden’s strongest words yet on the need to end the fighting.

But shortly after the White House's remarks, Netanyahu released a statement that, "I am determined to continue this operation until its objective is achieved."

-Reuters-