The United States’ Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, has issued a warning to Israel, stating that it could face “strategic defeat” unless it takes measures to protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza. As Israel resumes its military campaign in southern Gaza, tensions have been rising between the US and its close ally.
Austin emphasized the importance of protecting civilian populations in urban warfare, drawing upon lessons learned in the fight against ISIS in Iraq. He stressed that driving civilians into the arms of the enemy could replace a tactical victory with a strategic defeat. US President Joe Biden and other American officials have urged Israel to be more precise in its military campaign and to avoid mass internal displacement triggered by its bombardment of Gaza.
In response to these concerns, Israeli military officials have shared their plans for protecting civilians in the next phase of their military effort with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. However, the ongoing military campaign has sparked criticism from within the Biden administration and the Democratic party. Democratic congressman Seth Moulton has warned that continued civilian casualties could strengthen Hamas, putting pressure on Biden to do more to constrain Israel.
As Israel intensifies its airstrikes in Gaza, Palestinian health officials have reported that the renewed offensive has resulted in the deaths of 193 people. The Israeli military has maintained that its targets are “terror targets,” including a mosque allegedly being used as a command center by militants.
Meanwhile, the conflict has also led to hostage situations, as Hamas released 84 women and children during a temporary ceasefire, while Israel released about 240 Palestinian women and children from prison. British nationals are among those being held, prompting the UK government to conduct military surveillance flights over Gaza to assist in the hostage rescue operation.
As the world watches the conflict unfold, concerns are mounting about the humanitarian toll and the potential long-term consequences of the Israeli military campaign in Gaza. It remains to be seen how the situation will evolve, as international pressure grows for a resolution to the crisis.