US Warns Israel's Failure To Protect Gazan Civilians Could Create More Militants

Conditions In The West Bank/Register UNICEF/Ala Badarneh

JAKARTA - United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Israel's failure to protect civilians in Gaza could cause adverse reactions from generation to generation and create more anti-Israeli rebels in the future.

Speaking to reporters in Rome, Austin said he expressed the need to address the humanitarian needs of civilians in every phone call with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant.

He stressed Israel's obligation to be more precise in carrying out military operations against Palestinian militant groups Hamas to limit civilian casualties.

Austin also stressed the need to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians.

"Failure doing this will create a Palestinian generation who will continue to reject cooperation with Israel in the future. So, you actually increase the number of rebels if you fail to do so," Austin said.

"In my opinion, this is a strategic necessity," he continued.

Hamas-led fighters went berserk in Israeli cities on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and holding about 250 people hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's bombing of Gaza killed more than 42,500 Palestinians, and 10,000 others who have not been confirmed are thought to have died under the rubble, Gaza's health authorities said.

Israel has intensified attacks on the northern bank of Gaza since killing Hamas leaders last week.

Health authorities reported on Wednesday that 20 people had died in a new Israeli attack, mostly in the northern region.

In addition to mass destruction, Gazans are also facing a shortage of proper food, water, fuel, medicine, and medical care.

The United States is Israel's closest ally and supports Israel's efforts to attack Hamas, backed by Iran.

But a secret letter from Austin and Foreign Minister Antony Blinken to Israeli officials last week demanded concrete action to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, or to face potential restrictions on US military aid.

Austin declined to discuss the letter publicly.

The ability to achieve your goals militarily in terms of achieving goals and protecting civilians in the battle room. You can do these two things. These two things cannot be separated from each other," Austin said.