Biden demands of Israel an immediate and "significant decrease" in violence leading to a ceasefire in Gaza

By Alexander Smith, Adela Suliman and Richard Engel - NBC News

In his most emphatic message yet on the recent military escalation in the Middle East, President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday that he expects a "significant decrease" in violence between Israel and militants. Palestinians "on the way to a ceasefire," according to the White House.

The Israeli army and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, have been exchanging air and rocket attacks for more than a week.

At least 219 Palestinians and 12 Israelis have died.

Biden and Netanyahu spoke by phone and "had a detailed discussion on the state of affairs in Gaza, Israel's progress in degrading the capabilities of Hamas and other terrorist elements, and the ongoing diplomatic efforts of regional and regional governments. United States, "the White House said in a statement.

"The president conveyed to the prime minister that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the way to a ceasefire," he added.  

[Israel bombards Gaza with new airstrikes despite Biden joining in ceasefire calls]

More than 50 Israeli warplanes fired some 120 guided missiles into Gaza overnight Wednesday, targeting the tunnel system used by Hamas.

At least 219 Palestinians, including 63 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks since last Monday, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Hamas, classified as a terrorist group by Israel and the United States, continued to fire rockets at Israel, firing about 50 more in the past 24 hours and bringing the total to 3,750 in the past week, according to the Israeli military.