Staff Reports
The Biden administration finds itself walking a tightrope as the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies in Gaza. While acknowledging Israel’s right to retaliate against the terrorist attack that took place on October 7, the administration is also urging Israeli forces to take precautions to minimize civilian casualties. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed concern over the increase in violence by Jewish settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank and called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the issue.
U.S. faces balancing act as Israeli campaign builds against Hamashttps://t.co/LBvfbgbMc7 pic.twitter.com/7j7c8O6XOx
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) October 30, 2023
Despite the U.S. government’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself, there are growing international demands for Netanyahu to exercise restraint in his response. The Hamas-run government in Gaza reports that over 8,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes and incursions. Israeli military officials claim to have targeted over 450 Hamas sites in the last 24 hours, including command centers and missile launch sites. It has also been reported that Hamas fighters were killed by Israeli ground forces as they attempted to exit a tunnel.
Sullivan’s recent interviews highlight the difficulty faced by Israel’s allies in navigating the situation and the limitations on the U.S.’s ability to influence the region. He acknowledged that Hamas, as a terrorist organization, deliberately hides among civilians, which puts added pressure on Israel to distinguish between terrorists and innocent civilians. However, he emphasized the importance of Israel acting in accordance with international humanitarian law and the laws of war to protect civilians. Sullivan labeled the deaths of Palestinian citizens caught in the crossfire as an “absolute tragedy” and expressed condolences.
Humanitarian groups have expressed alarm after the Palestinian Red Crescent received evacuation warnings for al-Quds Hospital in response to shelling in the area. President Biden plans to discuss the next steps in the conflict with Netanyahu, with concerns about potential settler violence in the West Bank being raised. U.S. officials hope that the Israeli government will hold these extremists accountable. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Israel’s retaliation campaign against Hamas has entered a new phase, with incursions by tank and infantry units. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with residents breaking into aid warehouses to access essential supplies.
In a related development, President Biden has informed Congress of the targeted airstrikes he ordered against Iran-allied militias in Iraq and Syria, signaling a strong message to Tehran not to exploit the Israel-Hamas conflict or initiate new military actions against Israel. The airstrikes were carried out as a response to recent attacks on U.S. bases and troops in the region. Biden’s action fulfills the constitutional requirement to notify Congress under the War Powers Resolution.
