The United States will not support Israeli forces expanding their campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip unless a plan is formulated to protect civilians evacuated to the southern half of the territory, National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby told reporters Nov. 21.
As the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) "consider moving their operations to the south" of Gaza, the U.S. won't support "those kinds of operations absent a cohesive plan ... to factor in how they're going to be able to protect what is now mathematically a dramatically increased civilian population in the south," Kirby pronounced.
There's an "obligation for them to factor that into their planning."
Newsweek reached out to the IDF for comment.
IDF spokesperson Lt, Col. Richard Hecht told reporters Friday that he was "aware" of the development but said he could not discuss "what our operational plan is" and "it still hasn't been decided yet."
President Joe Biden and his administration have repeatedly expressed support for Israel throughout the conflict.
At the same time, Washington has increasingly called for longer humanitarian pauses and a greater flow of aid to Gaza.
Hamas too has demanded greater humanitarian assistance and the implementation of a ceasefire.
Hamas has also denied Israeli claims that it used hospitals and other protected sites for military operations.
During a press conference Nov. 21, a Hamas spokesperson alleged that Israel "is trying to deprive our people of all the foundations of life ... with direct cover from the American administration and President Biden." (Newsweek 11/21/23) US Warns Israel Ahead of Next Phase of War in Gaza (msn.com)
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