Biden, western leaders reiterate Israel's right to defend itself

The US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the UK on Sunday underscored Israel's right to defend itself, but also called for Israel to protect civilians.

The countries said in a joint statement that they welcomed the release of two hostages by Hamas, and called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages.

After speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden convened a meeting of the Quint - a bloc that includes the US, France, Britain, Germany and Italy - plus Canada.

In the statement, Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed the arrival of the first aid convoys in Gaza. The UN's World Food Programme says that only 0.002 percent of the enclave's immediate relief needs have been met so far.

They also agreed to continue close diplomatic coordination, including with key partners in the region, to "prevent the conflict from spreading".