USA demands more protection of civilians from Israel in new Gaza offensive
The USA has called on Israel to show greater consideration for the population in the event of a military offensive in the southern Gaza Strip. Should Israel resume fighting against the radical Islamic Hamas and shift its offensive from the north to the south of the densely populated coastal area, it would have to pay more attention to protecting the civilian population, a US government representative said.
Israel must also limit damage to the infrastructure in order to avoid further displacement, which would overwhelm humanitarian aid. Attacks on electricity and water supplies, hospitals and other aid facilities must be avoided.
"The scale of displacement that has taken place in the north must not be repeated in the south," said the US government representative. This message was conveyed to the Israeli government in clear terms by President Joe Biden. Israel had shown itself to be open to a different approach to an offensive in the south of the Gaza Strip.
Another US government representative said that the USA would welcome an extension of the humanitarian ceasefire for as long as possible in order to bring more urgently needed aid supplies to the Gaza Strip.
- In response to the USA's demand, Israel needs to implement a cease fire to minimize harm to civilians during the shift of its offensive from the north to the east of Gaza.
- The USA strongly advocates for Israel to ensure strict adherence to protecting civilians and critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, during the Gaza offensive's new phase.
- If Israel chooses to renew its military operations against Hamas in the southern Gaza Strip, it must prioritize the safety and well-being of the civilian population and avoid causing unnecessary displacement.
- The USA encourages both Israel and Hamas to adhere to the ceasefire agreement, aiming to secure a prolonged respite in the Gaza offensive to allow for the delivery of essential aid to civilians in the affected regions.
Source: www.ntv.de
