Biden calls for 'significant de-escalation' leading to ceasefire

US President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he "expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire", the White House said after a call between the two leaders on Wednesday.

The statement comes amid the US president's refusal to explicitly call for an immediate ceasefire, despite growing pressure from Democratic lawmakers and the international community.

"The two leaders had a detailed discussion on the state of events in Gaza, Israel’s progress in degrading the capabilities of Hamas and other terrorist elements, and ongoing diplomatic efforts by regional governments and the United States," the White House said. "The president conveyed to the prime minister that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire."

Biden has spoken to Netanyahu several times over the past week. On Monday, the White House said the US president "expressed his support for a ceasefire" after a call with the Israeli premier.

The Biden administration has been voicing unquestioning backing for the Israeli government, asserting what it calls "Israel's right to defend itself" as the Israeli military continues to heavily bomb Gaza.