Obama: Avoid civilian casualties

President Barack Obama spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi on Wednesday night about rocket attacks being launched from Gaza into Israel and escalating violence in the Gaza Strip.

The White House said Obama reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s right to self-defense from rocket attacks being launched against its civilians and urged Israel to “make every effort to avoid civilian casualties” in its response.

Obama and Netanyahu agreed to stay in close touch in the coming days, the White House said.

Associated Press