US Urges Israel To Reduce Gaza Military Op As Casualties Rise.

(CTN News) – On Wednesday, the United States conveyed a message to Israel, urging them to reduce their military campaign against Hamas in the “near future.”

President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of prioritizing the protection of civilian lives in Gaza. This call was made by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan during his discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials in Tel Aviv.

The talks centered around Israel’s ongoing war, which was initiated after the October 7 attacks.

While the United States has consistently supported Israel’s right to self-defense, the increasing number of civilian casualties in the Palestinian territory has strained the relationship between the two close allies.

President Biden emphasized the need to focus on saving civilian lives without ceasing their efforts against Hamas but with greater caution. He made these remarks to reporters following an event at a medical research center near Washington.

The White House also revealed that Sullivan, Biden’s top national security aide, had raised concerns about the timing of the war. This came after Israel’s defense minister informed him that the conflict would continue for several more months.

According to spokesman John Kirby, Sullivan discussed the possibility of transitioning from high-intensity operations, which are currently underway, to lower-intensity operations shortly.

Kirby acknowledged Sullivan’s challenging questions about the offensive’s direction but still supported Israel. He emphasized that the conflict should end soon if Hamas backs down, although it seems unlikely.

The White House clarified that Sullivan discussed transitioning from high-intensity clearing operations to lower-intensity surgical operations against Hamas.

Israeli Defense Minister Gallant warned that the battle would take time and would emerge victorious. The US declined to provide specific timelines but confirmed Sullivan’s visit to Ramallah.

The US official stated that Hamas leader Sinwar’s days are limited and justice will be served. Sullivan also visited Saudi Arabia for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Biden criticized Israel’s indiscriminate bombing, but Netanyahu and Cohen vowed to continue the war. The conflict began after unprecedented attacks by the Palestinians.

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