The Biden administration has urged Israel to avoid causing further displacement of Palestinian civilians in southern Gaza if it decides to renew its ground campaign against Hamas. The administration is concerned about the potential for civilian casualties and mass displacement, as seen before the current temporary pause in the fighting. To address these concerns, the US officials emphasized the need for greater precision in Israeli operations in southern Gaza compared to the north.
The White House has been under pressure, both domestically and internationally, to address the rising death toll among Palestinians. As a result, the Biden administration has started to exert more pressure on Israel, emphasizing the importance of carefully planning and executing any future military campaign. Israeli officials have been receptive to these concerns raised by the US administration.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that the Israeli Defense Forces will resume military operations once the current temporary ceasefire concludes. The ceasefire has allowed for the exchange of hostages taken by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The truce has been extended for an additional two days, and both sides are continuing to negotiate the release of more hostages.
President Joe Biden has expressed his desire for the pause in fighting to continue as long as possible. The temporary ceasefire has also facilitated the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be returning to the Middle East this week in an effort to extend the ceasefire and secure the release of more hostages.
While supporting Israel’s goal of eliminating Hamas’ control over Gaza, Biden and top officials have also emphasized the need to protect the lives of Palestinian civilians. Hamas militants often seek shelter among the civilian population, making it challenging for Israeli forces to target them without causing harm to innocent civilians. Israeli officials have released videos showing weapons stockpiles and firing locations located near civilian infrastructure in northern Gaza.
According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza, more than 13,300 Palestinians have been killed since the war began on October 7, with approximately two-thirds of them being women and minors. On the Israeli side, over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the initial attack, and 77 soldiers have died in Israel’s ground offensive.
The US estimates that around 2 million Palestinians are currently residing in south and central Gaza. The Biden administration has warned Israel that the humanitarian support network is already stretched thin and would not be able to handle a significant displacement of Palestinians like what has occurred in northern Gaza.
In addition to urging Israel to avoid further displacement, the Biden administration has emphasized the need for Israeli operations to be conducted in a way that minimizes disruption to humanitarian aid facilities, United Nations-supported shelters, and critical infrastructure such as electricity and water. The World Health Organization has warned of a public health crisis in Gaza due to the war, as displaced Palestinians are forced to seek shelter in cramped homes and camps. Efforts are being made to provide medical supplies, food aid, winter items, potable water supplies, and sanitation to prevent outbreaks of diseases like typhoid and cholera.
To support these efforts, the US will be sending three military humanitarian aid flights to northern Egypt, carrying medical supplies, food aid, and winter items for Gaza’s civilian population. This demonstrates the US commitment to providing assistance to those affected by the conflict.
In conclusion, the Biden administration is urging Israel to avoid causing further displacement of Palestinian civilians in southern Gaza if it decides to renew its ground campaign against Hamas. The administration is concerned about civilian casualties and mass displacement and has emphasized the need for greater precision in Israeli operations. Efforts are also being made to provide humanitarian aid and support to Gaza’s civilian population, including medical supplies, food aid, and winter items. The US is committed to working towards a lasting ceasefire and finding a resolution to the conflict.