The United States Wants to Avoid the Expulsion and Casualties of Palestinian Civilians, But Supports Israel in Continuing the War in Gaza

JAKARTA - The United States is calling for the avoidance of civilian casualties, as well as no evacuation or transfer or anything of Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip, but, ensuring support for Israel to continue the war, according to senior officials.

Making a working visit to Israel, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked the country to make efforts to protect civilians, when meeting with PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

"It is very important for Israel to act in accordance with international humanitarian law and the laws of war, even when facing groups that do not respect both," Blinken said at a press conference Thursday in Tel Aviv, reported by CNN, December 1.

Secretary of State Blinken said PM Netanyahu "agrees with the need for this approach" to protect civilians, with the Israeli government offering "concrete steps" to do so.

Secretary of State Blinken further said Israel must avoid "further displacement of civilians within Gaza", adding that displaced civilians must eventually be allowed to return.

"There must be no prolonged internal displacement," he stressed.

Blinken also said Israel must avoid damage to critical infrastructure such as hospitals, power plants and water facilities.

While citing The Times of Israel, Foreign Minister Blinken told Israeli leaders that when the IDF continues its military campaign, they must clearly establish several safe zones in southern and central Gaza for civilians to avoid fighting.

While admitting these measures are difficult to implement due to Hamas' use of human shields, Israel still has an obligation to minimize harm to civilians, with an army that is sophisticated enough to achieve its goals.

Reminding that Israel has the right to ensure that the October 7 attack is not repeated, Secretary of State Blinken said the US continues to support Israel's goal of overthrowing Hamas in Gaza.

In Washington, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby also assured Uncle Sam's support whenever Tel Aviv decides to continue its attacks on Gaza.

"We continue to believe that Israel has the right and responsibility to attack Hamas. They have said very clearly that when this pause ends, they intend to do it again. When they make that decision, they will continue to have the support of the United States in terms of equipment and the capabilities, weapons systems they require and the advice and perspective we can offer in terms of urban warfare," explained Kirby.

"We have been very consistent and clear with our Israeli colleagues, that we do not support movement to the south unless or until they adequately consider the protection of innocent human lives, the lives of civilians in southern Gaza, with the understanding that there is protection of those lives." innocent human life, civilian life in southern Gaza, with the understanding that there is protection for innocent human life and civilian life in southern Gaza," he explained.

Kirby also clarified that the US supports extending the ongoing humanitarian pause, which is currently entering its seventh day. However, he said the US did not support a permanent ceasefire, which Washington said would make Hamas a threat to Israel.