U.S. President Joe Biden backed a cease-fire in an escalating conflict between Israel and a Palestinian militant group during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.While reaffirming Israel's right to defend itself against rocket attacks from Hamas, Biden showed "his support for a ceasefire and discussed U.S. engagement with Egypt and other partners towards that end," the White House said in a press release.It also said Biden encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians amid concerns that the fighting is claiming the li…READ FULL ARTICLE