In a significant development, U.S. officials have declared a new phase in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, asserting that a long-term occupation of Gaza by Israel is not deemed appropriate. The White House is reportedly engaged in ‘intensive’ talks with Israeli authorities regarding the next steps in the Gaza war.
The Israeli offensive in Gaza has entered its third month, facing global pressure to mitigate widespread bombing and ground operations. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized on Friday, “We do not believe that it makes sense for Israel, or is right for Israel, to occupy Gaza over the long term.”
The timing of this transition remains uncertain, with ongoing talks involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the war cabinet, and military chiefs. The White House is reportedly advocating for an expedited end to the high-intensity phase of the war, aiming for a shift by the end of the year, as reported by The New York Times on Thursday.
According to Sullivan, the Israeli offensive will transition to a new phase in the coming days, focusing more precisely on targeting leadership and intelligence-driven operations. This announcement follows a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv.
While the U.S. has been a steadfast supporter of Israel, providing billions in military aid, concerns are growing within the Biden administration about civilian casualties and the long-term strategy for Gaza. President Joe Biden has urged Israel to be more cautious in its attacks and to prioritize civilian lives.
The conflict, which began in early October, saw a surprise attack by Hamas militants, resulting in approximately 1200 casualties. Over 19,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ensuing Israeli offensive. Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, have pledged to “crush Hamas,” with Gallant stating on Friday that the war would last “more than several months.”
In the backdrop of these developments, the White House is actively engaged in intensive talks with Israel to navigate the next phase of the conflict. President Biden’s recent warnings about Israel losing international support over “indiscriminate” bombing add complexity to the evolving situation.
With inputs from agencies
