US calls for de-escalation of Gaza offensive amid rising death toll
Israel-Gaza conflict: The United States has called on Israel to de-escalate its offensive against Hamas in the "near future," emphasising the need to prioritise the protection of civilian lives in Gaza. President Joe Biden, through National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, conveyed this message during discussions in Tel Aviv with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials regarding the military campaign initiated after the October 7 attacks.
While Washington has consistently supported Israel's right to self-defense, the escalating number of civilian casualties in the Palestinian territory has strained the historically close relationship between the two allies. President Biden, speaking to reporters after an event near Washington, stressed the importance of focusing on saving civilian lives without advocating for a halt in targeting Hamas. He underscored the need for greater caution in military operations.
The White House revealed that Sullivan, Biden's top national security aide, addressed the timing of the ongoing conflict during discussions with Israel's defense minister, who indicated that the war might continue for several more months. The U.S. stance emphasises a potential transition from high-intensity to lower-intensity military operations in the coming period.
Spokesman John Kirby clarified that Washington was not imposing terms on Israel but acknowledged that Sullivan raised pertinent questions about the trajectory of the offensive while maintaining support for the country. Kirby expressed a collective desire for a swift resolution to the conflict, asserting that the war could conclude promptly if Hamas chose to de-escalate, though current indications suggested otherwise. The U.S. remains actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to address the situation and encourages measures that prioritise civilian safety.
The White House later communicated that Sullivan had engaged in discussions about "establishing conditions for a gradual shift from high-intensity clearing operations to lower-intensity surgical operations targeting Hamas remnants."
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant conveyed to Sullivan that Israel's confrontation with Hamas "will necessitate a period of time — it will extend beyond several months, but we will emerge victorious and eradicate them." A senior US official refrained from providing a detailed timeline, especially after US media reports suggested that Washington encouraged Israel to conclude the initial phase by the year's end.
On Friday, Sullivan is scheduled to visit the Israeli-occupied West Bank city of Ramallah for discussions with Palestinian Authority leaders, as mentioned by the official. The US official also asserted that the days of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar are numbered, stating, "He has American blood on his hands. Regardless of the duration, justice will prevail."
Sullivan visited Saudi Arabia on Wednesday for talks with the country's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as confirmed by the White House. On Tuesday, President Biden issued his most robust criticism of Israel, cautioning that the nation risked losing global support due to its "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza.
Despite the criticism, Prime Minister Netanyahu remains defiant, pledging to continue the offensive "until victory." Foreign Minister Eli Cohen echoed this sentiment, asserting that the war against Hamas would persist "with or without international support."
Entering its third month, the war commenced after unprecedented attacks by the Palestinian group on October 7, according to Israeli officials, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties, predominantly civilians. In response, Israel committed to dismantling Hamas, launching a relentless military campaign that has devastated large parts of Gaza. The health ministry in the Hamas-run territory reported 18,787 casualties, primarily women and children.
- With inputs from agencies
