President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call Sunday that military operations in the Gaza Strip “should not proceed” without a “credible” plan, the White House has confirmed.

White House released Sunday's press statement acknowledged that Biden spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu in the morning and reaffirmed the United States' “shared goal of seeing the defeat of Hamas” and “ensuring the long-term security” of the Israeli people. Ta. President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly discussed “continued efforts” to secure the remaining hostages held by the terrorist organization Hamas. (Related article: “This conversation is over”: Biden reportedly hangs up with Prime Minister Netanyahu after heated phone conversation)

“The President reaffirmed our shared goal of defeating Hamas and ensuring the long-term security of Israel and its people. The President and Prime Minister secured the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas. “The president emphasized the need to leverage progress in negotiations to ensure the early release of all hostages,” the White House said.

Biden affirmed continued efforts between the United States and Israel, but called for “concrete steps” to be taken to protect “innocent Palestinian civilians.” The president reportedly told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel is “doing nothing” in the Gaza Strip city of Rafah without “a credible and workable plan” to ensure the safety of Palestinians sheltering there. “Military operations” “should not proceed,” he said.

As Democrats ramp up pressure on Biden for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict, the president has reportedly begun considering the option of recognizing an independent Palestinian state. Axios. Recognition of Palestinian independence will reportedly help normalize relations between Israel and other Middle Eastern Arab states.