Biden demands Israel do more to protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza as military campaign against Hamas continues
US President Joe Biden has called on Israel to take greater care in protecting the lives of Palestinian civilians in Gaza as it presses forward with its military offensive to remove Hamas from the region. This marks the second time that Biden has criticized Israel’s approach to the campaign, previously accusing the country of indiscriminately bombing Gaza.
Biden’s comments came as US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held discussions with Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Minister Benny Gantz. The President has also urged Israel to transition from a high-intensity to a low-intensity military campaign in Gaza.
According to Hamas, over 18,000 Palestinians have been killed and 50,000 injured in Gaza-related violence, while Israel claims that around 7,000 of the fatalities are combatants.
Despite the criticism, Biden and his administration have expressed strong support for Israel’s efforts against Hamas, following the group’s attack on southern Israel in October. This stance has led to division within Biden’s own party, with many opposing the war and some even labeling it as genocide.
Jake Sullivan stated in an interview that Israel’s military operations against Hamas will continue for the foreseeable future, but emphasized the need for a more precise and targeted approach.
Overall, Biden’s comments reflect growing international concern over the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the impact it is having on the civilian population in Gaza.
