US Defense Secretary calls protecting civilians an ‘essential measure’ for Israel as Palestinian death toll rises
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is seen in California on Friday. Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images
The United States is increasing pressure on Israel to do more to protect civilians following the resumption of fighting in Gaza.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated in his remarks at a forum in California this Saturday that US support for Israel is “non-negotiable,” but also stressed that protecting civilians in Gaza is crucial to Israel’s long-term success against Hamas be.
“During my time in Iraq and leading the campaign to defeat ISIS, I learned a thing or two about urban warfare. The lesson is not that you can win urban warfare by protecting civilians. The lesson is that the only way to win in urban war is to protect civilians,” Austin said.
“Look, in this type of fighting, the focus is on the civilian population. And when you push them into the enemy’s arms, you replace a tactical victory with a strategic defeat.
“I have repeatedly made it clear to Israeli leaders that protecting Palestinian civilians in Gaza is both a moral responsibility and a strategic imperative,” he added.
Israel bombed Gaza after a fragile ceasefire broke down this Friday, with dozens of hostages released.
Austin’s comments echo those of US Vice President Kamala Harris, who said earlier Saturday that “too many innocent Palestinians have been murdered.”
He added: “As Israel pursues its military objectives in Gaza, we believe Israel must do more to protect innocent civilians.”
Increasing number of victims: Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least 15,207 people and injured at least 40,652 others, Dr. Ashraf Al-Qudra, spokesman for the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza, on Saturday. At least 70% of those murdered are women and children.
Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian enclave led to widespread shortages of food, fuel and medicine, overwhelming the medical system and putting 2.2 million Gazans at risk of dehydration and starvation.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) estimates that around 1.8 million people have been displaced in Gaza since October 7. Human rights organizations have said Israel’s attacks on civilians constitute a war crime, as does their forced evacuation.
CNN’s Sam Fossum contributed reporting.