Israel Must Distinguish Between Hamas Fighters, Civilians

AFP/APP

Washington: While the US ally has the right to defend itself, it must do so “in a manner consistent with international humanitarian law that prioritizes the protection of civilians,”US President Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call, informed the White House.

Biden National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told CNN that Israel should be using every possible means available to them to distinguish between Hamas terrorists, who are legitimate military targets, and civilians, who are not.

The United Nations warned Sunday that “civil order” is starting to collapse in Gaza after thousands of people ransacked its food warehouses there, taking wheat, flour and other supplies.

Biden also spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and the two leaders committed to the significant acceleration and increase of assistance flowing into Gaza beginning today, said the White House.

It is to mention that Israel has intensified its air and ground operations against Hamas in Gaza following a bloody attack by the Palestinian militant group more than three weeks ago that Israeli authorities say killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians.

Since the October 7 attack, more than 8,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel’s relentless retaliatory bombardments, half of them children, says the health ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.