(VOVworld) – US President Barack Obama has offered US help in negotiating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls the Gaza Strip.

U.S. President Barack Obama listens to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., March 3, 2014.

In a phone call Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Obama insisted that the US condemns the firing of rockets into Israel by Hamas and other terrorist organizations and reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself. Mr. Obama expressed concern about the escalating violence between Israel and Hamas, urging both to protect civilians and restore calm. But Netanyahu refused to accept a cease fire with Hamas in the short term, explaining that the truce would make it easier for Hamas to prepare further attacks. Netanyahu said Israel will continue its current military campaign.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared that Israel is about to launch a ground operation and demanded an unconditional truce. Israeli military and political officials have not yet confirmed any plan to launch such an operation.