July 18, 2014, WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday said he spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the situation in Gaza, underscoring the U.S. support for Israel to defend itself but raising concerns about consequences of wider conflict.Obama said he reaffirmed the United States’ strong support for its ally but that he “also made clear the United States … and our allies are deeply concerned about the risks of further escalation and the loss of more innocent life.”

“We are hopeful that Israel will continue to approach this process in a way that minimizes civilian casualties,” Obama told reporters at the White House.

Netanyahu thanked Obama for U.S. support of Israel’s right to defend itself