Title: White House Calls on Israel to Protect Innocent Lives in Gaza Amid Rising Civilian Death Toll
Date: October 29, 2023
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, the White House has stated that Israel has a responsibility to protect the lives of innocent people in Gaza, according to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan. The statement comes in light of the escalating civilian death toll in the Gaza Strip and mounting pressure on the Biden administration to address the issue.
With the death toll in Gaza reaching alarming numbers and continuing to rise, the United States is facing increasing pressure to clarify its support for Israel while not endorsing all of its actions in the region. President Joe Biden’s administration is now facing calls to ensure that its support for Israel does not lead to indiscriminate attacks on civilians as a form of retaliation for the recent Hamas attack.
During a round of television interviews, Sullivan emphasized that the United States is posing tough questions to Israel, including concerns regarding humanitarian aid, distinguishing between terrorists and innocent civilians, and the rationale behind its military operations. Sullivan stressed the importance of distinguishing between legitimate military targets and innocent civilians, stating that every effort should be made to protect the lives of innocent people.
Sullivan also expressed the need for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take action against extremist Jewish settlers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, calling the violence perpetrated by these settlers against innocent people “totally unacceptable.”
Internally, President Biden is facing pressure from members of his own Democratic Party to call for a ceasefire. U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, has stated that the United States, as Israel’s largest military supporter, bears responsibility for Israel’s actions on the battlefield. She further expressed concerns about the declining credibility of the United States and its increasing isolation in the international community.
The conflict began after a Hamas attack from Gaza that killed 1,400 people, prompting Israel to launch a campaign aimed at eradicating the Iran-backed Hamas. The situation has been further complicated by the embedded presence of Hamas militants among the Palestinian population and civilian infrastructure, making targeted operations against the group challenging.
As a result of the ongoing conflict, Gaza’s already dire situation has worsened. Israel has tightened its blockade, and airstrikes have caused severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Thousands of Gaza residents have resorted to breaking into UN warehouses and distribution centers in search of basic necessities.
The international community has expressed growing concerns over the mounting death toll and has called for a “humanitarian pause” to allow aid to reach civilians in Gaza.
In his interviews, Sullivan assured the public that the United States and Israel engage in candid and direct discussions, sharing unfiltered views. He emphasized that the United States will make its principles and propositions clear, particularly regarding the sanctity of innocent human life. However, certain advice and discussions will continue to be conducted privately.
The situation remains tense, with international pressure mounting on Israel to protect civilian lives and on the United States to take a more active role in encouraging a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance.
Reporting by Doina Chiacu, additional reporting by Jasper Ward; Editing by Mary Milliken, Marguerita Choy, and Grant McCool