Biden tells Netanyahu to accept ceasefire in 'very direct' call

He also pledges to back Israel against fresh threats from Iran, allied militias

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US President Joe Biden told Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas as the White House's frustrations over the continuation of the war in Gaza grow.

The two leaders, whose relationship has been strained by the conflict, spoke on Aug 1.

While Mr Biden pledged to support Israel against renewed threats from Iran and allied militias such as Hezbollah, he said he was "very direct" with Mr Netanyahu, with the regional fallout from the war, now almost 10 months old, worsening.

"We have the basis for a ceasefire," Mr Biden told reporters. "He should move on it and they should move on it now."

He said the assassination in Iran this week of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas and a key negotiator for the group, had "not helped".

Iran and Hamas blamed Israel for the killing. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied it was responsible. Privately, its officials have not pushed back against the claim.

The truce negotiations, mediated by Qatar, the US and Egypt, have dragged for months.