US President Barack Obama has called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and offered to broker a ceasefire with Hamas, saying there is a risk of further escalation of the crisis. “The United States remains prepared to facilitate a cessation of hostilities, including a return to the November 2012 ceasefire agreement,” the White House said in a statement after Obama spoke to Netanyahu. Obama reiterated America’s strong condemnation of continuing rocket fire into Israel by Hamas and other terrorist organisations in Gaza and reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself against these attacks.