Middle East conflict live updates: Biden in State of the Union urges Israel to protect Gaza civilians

Biden spoke directly to Israeli leaders during his speech, saying that while Israel has a right to go after Hamas, “saving innocent lives” must be a priority: “To the leadership of Israel I say this: Humanitarian assistance cannot be a secondary consideration or a bargaining chip.”

Biden also noted that he was directing the U.S. military to build a temporary pier on Gaza’s coast to enable more aid shipments to Gaza, but that “no U.S. boots will be on the ground.”

Hamas said in a statement Thursday that its delegation has left cease-fire negotiations in Cairo “to consult with the leadership of the movement” on issues including aid and the return of displaced people. Egyptian state media reported that talks would resume next week. Pressure is growing on parties to reach a cease-fire deal as the Islamic holy month of Ramadan approaches early next week.

At least 30,800 people have been killed and 72,298 injured in Gaza since the war began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack and says 247 soldiers have been killed since the start of its military operation in Gaza.