The United States has urged Israel to prioritize the protection of civilians in Gaza and to increase humanitarian aid immediately. This call comes amidst growing concern over the human toll of Israel's three-week-long bombardment of the enclave. President Joe Biden conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call that while Israel has the right to defend itself, it should do so in a manner consistent with international law and the safeguarding of civilians, as stated by the White House.
During the conversation, Biden and Netanyahu discussed efforts to secure the release of over 200 hostages who were captured by Hamas militants in a surprise attack on Israel on October 7th, resulting in the death of 1,400 people. The White House highlighted the critical need for an immediate and significant increase in humanitarian aid to address the needs of civilians in the besieged Gaza Strip, where supplies are dwindling.
As the death toll in Gaza exceeds thousands, pressure has mounted on the Biden administration to clarify that its support for Israel does not equate to an endorsement of all its actions in the impoverished region. Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security adviser, emphasized that Israel has a responsibility to protect innocent lives in Gaza. He stated that the United States is asking tough questions of Israel, including its approach to distinguishing between terrorists and civilians, as well as its overall strategy in the ongoing military operation in Gaza.
Sullivan also underscored the need for Netanyahu to rein in extremist Jewish settlers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, deeming it unacceptable to have settler violence against innocent individuals. The Democratic Party, in particular, has urged Biden to call for a ceasefire, emphasizing that the United States, as Israel's main military supporter, bears some responsibility for its actions in Gaza.
The recent attack launched by Hamas has triggered a wave of Israeli airstrikes and a possible ground operation. Medical authorities in Gaza reported that Israel's campaign to eradicate Hamas, which is backed by Iran, has resulted in the deaths of 8,005 Palestinians in the densely populated region. Hamas militants have embedded themselves among the civilian population and in infrastructure, making military operations against them extremely challenging.
Amidst shortages of food, water, and medicines, thousands of Gaza residents resorted to breaking into UN warehouses and distribution centers to obtain essentials. The mounting international outcry over the rising death toll and calls for a "humanitarian pause" to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza civilians have put further pressure on Israel and its allies to address the situation urgently.
During an interview, Sullivan was asked if there was any difference of opinion between the United States and the Netanyahu government. He replied that both countries engaged in candid and direct discussions, sharing their perspectives openly. He assured that the United States would uphold its principles, including the sanctity of innocent human life, and would continue to provide private advice to Israel.