US President Joe Biden has increased pressure on Israel to minimize civilian deaths in Gaza and shift to a “lower intensity” war against Hamas. Biden made these remarks during a press conference while his top national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, visited Israel on Thursday. The President emphasized the need for Israel to be more careful and focused on saving civilian lives, without completely halting their operations against Hamas.
Sullivan’s visit to Israel included meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other members of the Israeli war Cabinet. The discussions centered around transitioning from high-intensity clearing operations to lower-intensity surgical operations against Hamas remnants. The White House stated that the objective was to set conditions for a gradual shift in military operations.
While Biden expressed the desire for the war to end as soon as possible, he also highlighted Hamas’ responsibility in bringing about a resolution. The President emphasized that Hamas can end the conflict by releasing captives, ordering their fighters to lay down their arms, and handing over those responsible for the October 7th attacks.
The visit by Sullivan comes at a time when tensions and divisions between Biden and Netanyahu are becoming more apparent. On Tuesday, Biden criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict, stating that Israel’s “indiscriminate bombing” was costing them international support. In response, Netanyahu affirmed that the war would only cease when Hamas is eradicated, regardless of international support.
During his visit, Sullivan also met with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who publicly stated that the war would last “more than several months.” The death toll in Gaza has risen significantly, with Palestinian officials reporting at least 18,608 casualties, including 7,729 children, since the start of the war. Israeli officials claim that 1,147 people, mostly civilians, were killed in Hamas’ October 7 attacks on southern Israel.
The recent developments prompted the United Nations General Assembly to adopt a nonbinding resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution received overwhelming support from 153 countries, with only 10 nations, including the US, voting against it.
As the discussions continue between the US and Israel, the focus remains on finding a way to protect civilians while addressing the threats posed by Hamas. The international community, including the United Nations, plays a crucial role in advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Gaza.
