At least 227 Palestinians, including 64 children, have been killed in 11 days of violence.
On the Israeli side, 12 people have been killed.
U.S. President Joe Biden discussed the events in Gaza with Netanyahu on Wednesday, and told the interim leader that he expected “a significant de-escalation on the road to a ceasefire today.”
But shortly after Biden’s phone call, Netanyahu said he was “determined” to continue bombing Gaza until Israel’s “goal” is met.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to secure a truce between the Israeli and Hamas authorities in Gaza have stalled, while the US continues to block the issue of the UN Security Council.