US Message to Israel Regarding Attack on Southern Gaza: Avoid Displacement of Civilians

Senior American officials stated that the United States has urged Israel to take necessary measures to avoid civilian casualties and limit damage to infrastructure in the event of an attack on southern Gaza, in order to prevent further displacement of Palestinians that could strain humanitarian efforts. According to Reuters, Israel's invasion of northern Gaza has been devastating, leaving thousands dead. Many civilians have been left homeless and forced to flee south due to relentless bombings, lack of water and electricity, and shortages of essential items such as food. Hamas officials, who govern the Gaza Strip, claim that Israeli attacks have resulted in over 13,300 deaths, two-thirds of whom they say are women and children. In contrast, Israel has repeatedly emphasized that its attacks target Hamas objectives and accuses the group of using civilians as human shields. The conflict between Israel and Hamas began after Hamas militants attacked the country on October 7, killing over 1,200 people, most of whom were civilians. Additionally, it was reported that American officials have spoken with Israeli officials about the need for greater caution in southern Gaza, where approximately 2 million Palestinians currently reside. They indicated that a message in this regard has been sent by President Joe Biden. One official stated, 'We clearly convinced the Israeli government that it is very important to move south in a way that does not cause further displacement of civilians during military operations.' He added that civilian displacement as occurred in northern Gaza cannot be repeated in the south. This displacement would be destructive and beyond the capacity of any humanitarian aid network and must not happen. The American official stated that Israel should avoid attacking electricity, water, humanitarian sites, and hospitals in southern and central Gaza. Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, described the two-day extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on December 6 as 'a glimpse of hope and humanity,' but warned that this time is insufficient for humanitarian aid to Gaza. Another American official mentioned that Washington is willing to extend the temporary ceasefire for humanitarian aid as long as possible. He noted that the first of three humanitarian flights conducted by the US military will deliver necessary supplies to Gaza on December 7, with two more flights planned for the coming days. These flights will carry medical supplies, food, and winter necessities, which will be distributed among Palestinian civilians by the UN. American officials also stated that the current aid sent to Gaza is about 240 trucks per day, but this amount is not enough to meet needs, and to increase it to 400 trucks daily, commercial companies must be utilized.