In a notable development underscoring growing tensions, President Joe Biden conveyed a strong message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Biden described the situation as unacceptable and warned of potential consequences unless Israel takes decisive steps to address the crisis.

The 30-minute conversation between the two leaders marked their first phone call since an Israeli strike resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen in Gaza. This incident has sparked significant concern within the White House, with Biden reportedly expressing heightened frustration with Israel’s ongoing campaign.

According to a statement from the White House shortly after the call, Biden emphasized that both the strikes on humanitarian workers and the broader humanitarian situation are unacceptable. He made it clear that U.S. policy towards Gaza will be contingent upon Israel’s immediate actions in response to these issues.

Biden specifically called for Israel to announce and implement specific, concrete, and measurable steps aimed at reducing civilian harm, alleviating humanitarian suffering, and ensuring the safety of aid workers.

Following the call, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking from Brussels, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that “If we don’t see the changes that we need to see, there’ll be changes in our own policy.” However, neither Blinken nor National Security Council spokesman John Kirby elaborated on what those policy changes might entail.

Kirby suggested that the U.S. anticipates announcements of changes from Israel in the coming hours and days.

The call reflects Biden’s deepening frustration with Israel’s actions in Gaza, which were initiated in response to attacks by Hamas on October 7. Since then, over 32,000 people have reportedly been killed in Gaza, with daily reports of civilian casualties.

The conflict has become a significant domestic political challenge for Biden ahead of the upcoming election, as parts of his voter base have expressed outrage over his support for Israel’s campaign. Protests against the president’s stance on the conflict have been prevalent at public events outside the White House in recent months.

The statements from Blinken and Kirby indicate a potential shift in U.S. policy towards the conflict if Israel continues its current practices. Blinken emphasized that Israel, as a democracy, should uphold the highest value of human life, distinguishing itself from Hamas, which he characterized as a terrorist organization.

Israel has acknowledged responsibility for the strikes but maintains that the convoy was not intentionally targeted.

Despite the implications of possible policy changes, the U.S. has continued to provide military support to Israel. Biden is expected to approve an $18 billion sale of fighter jets to Israel, along with the recent transfer of bombs.

Earlier on Thursday, Democratic Senator Chris Coons indicated a shift in his stance on aid to Israel, stating that he would consider conditioning aid in response to certain actions by the Israeli military.

While Biden has called for a temporary ceasefire that includes the release of hostages held by Hamas, he has refrained from explicitly endorsing a permanent ceasefire. This position contrasts with that of other world leaders and U.S. allies who have advocated for more decisive action to end the conflict.