Biden administration urges Israel to avoid “significant further displacement” of Palestinian civilians in southern Gaza
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has warned Israel that any renewal of its ground campaign in southern Gaza must avoid causing “significant further displacement” of Palestinian civilians, U.S. officials said Tuesday.
The administration has underscored the need for Israel to operate with greater precision in southern Gaza to avoid large-scale civilian casualties and mass displacement, the officials said. This increased pressure comes amid international and domestic concern about the rising death toll among Palestinians in the conflict with Hamas.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby confirmed that Israeli officials have been receptive to these concerns, signaling a willingness to address the issue.
Amid the ongoing conflict, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear that the Israeli Defense Forces will eventually restart military operations once the current temporary cease-fire concludes. The two sides agreed Monday to extend the truce for an additional two days and continue swapping hostages for prisoners.
The Biden administration is pushing for a continuation of the pause in the fighting to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the release of hostages. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to return to the Middle East in an effort to extend the cease-fire and negotiate the release of more hostages, the State Department said.
The talks over the hostage-for-prisoner swaps have also been the focus of discussions between U.S. and Israeli intelligence officials and Egyptian representatives. Negotiations regarding the Israeli security personnel held captive by Hamas are expected to be more challenging, as Hamas has demanded the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for each Israeli soldier.
The Americans have highlighted their concerns about civilians in Gaza as the latest swap of hostages for Palestinian prisoners was completed. Only one American, 4-year-old Abigail Edan, has been released by Hamas since the truce began. The White House expressed hope that more hostages will be released in the coming days.
In addition to the push to extend the cease-fire, the U.S. has emphasized the need for Israel to conduct military operations in a way that minimizes the impact on humanitarian aid facilities and basic infrastructure in Gaza. The World Health Organization has warned of a public health crisis in the area, and the Biden administration has sought to increase the delivery of medical supplies, food, and clothing to Gaza.
The administration expects Israel to operate with “maximally deconflicted” operations to prevent further displacement and damage, particularly as the conflict moves into southern Gaza. This push comes as the U.S. seeks to avoid a looming public health crisis in the region.
The U.S. has delivered its first of three humanitarian aid flights to northern Egypt for delivery into Gaza by the United Nations. The aid includes medical supplies, food, and clothing. The Biden administration has also pushed for the delivery of vaccines, potable water supplies, and sanitation measures to prevent outbreaks of diseases such as typhoid and cholera.
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Associated Press writers Isabel Debre in Jerusalem, Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Fatima Hussein aboard Air Force One, and Tara Copp and Ellen Knickmeyer contributed reporting.