The US, Israel’s main supporter in its war against Hamas militants, has stated that the Israeli military is failing to protect Palestinian civilians fleeing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, stating that Israel has fallen short in providing deconfliction times and clear demarcation lines for areas where Israel will not attack. Blinken emphasized the need for increased effort to protect civilians, stating that the gap between Israel’s promise to protect civilians and the reality of thousands of deaths is as narrow as possible.
The Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 17,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in the Israeli air and ground offensive in the last seven weeks. Blinken emphasized that it is up to Israel to decide when to end its attack and that Hamas could also end its attacks on Israel and free the remaining hostages. He also stated that lasting peace for Israel would not be possible unless Palestinian aspirations are met. Israel continued to strike over 250 targets in the past 24 hours, including some in the south near Khan Younis and the Shajaiya neighborhood of Gaza City in the north.
Palestinians are being urged to evacuate to southern Gaza to avoid fighting in the north, but have been unable to find safe territory. Israel claims Hamas fighters have embedded themselves among civilians to shield them from Israeli attacks, which Hamas has rejected. The humanitarian crisis worsens, with nine out of 10 people in Gaza unable to eat daily. The Israeli military is expanding operations to erase Hamas control, and the World Health Organization’s executive board is meeting to discuss the situation in Gaza.
The US has proposed a sale of 120mm M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose ammunition from its Army inventory to support Israel’s development and maintenance of a strong self-defense capability. The US has vetoed a cease-fire proposal for Gaza, despite significant support from other countries. The US argues that it would allow Hamas to regroup and carry out new incursions, while supporting pauses in fighting to protect civilians and release hostages taken by militants during the October attack on Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appreciates the US veto, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls for the Security Council to be reformed.
