U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized Washington's unwavering support for Israel during his visit on Monday. However, he called on the ally to intensify efforts to safeguard civilians amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Austin labeled Hamas as a "fanatical terrorist group" and stressed that preventing future attacks on Israel from Gaza should be a priority. The visit coincided with rising concerns from foreign governments and international organizations regarding civilian casualties and worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
The Gaza health ministry reported a staggering toll, with 19,453 Palestinians killed and 52,286 wounded during more than two months of warfare. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged total victory over Hamas, citing the group's October 7 raid into Israel as the catalyst for the conflict.
During a press conference in Tel Aviv, Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed strategies to minimize harm to civilians trapped in the conflict zone. They also explored transitioning from major combat to a lower-intensity conflict.
Austin assured continued U.S. support for Israel's security, but last week, President Joe Biden expressed concerns about Israel's "indiscriminate" bombing, hinting at potential shifts in international support.
Gallant hinted at a gradual transition in Israel's operations in Gaza, suggesting that displaced individuals might first return to the northern part of the enclave.
Amid the conflict's devastation, Austin renewed U.S. calls for a two-state solution to the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the need for hope for both Israelis and Palestinians.
The war has left Gaza in ruins, with severe food shortages, collapsed basic services, and widespread homelessness for its 2.3 million people. Human Rights Watch accused Israeli forces of using starvation as a method of warfare, prompting Israel to dismiss the claims as baseless.
The conflict continues to escalate, with Israeli bombardments claiming more lives in Gaza and ongoing violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Additionally, CIA chief Bill Burns is set to meet with Qatari and Israeli officials in Warsaw to discuss a potential deal for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
As the international community closely monitors the situation, concerns persist over the humanitarian crisis and civilian casualties in the region.
