White House: Israel is trying to minimize civilian casualties

The White House expressed confidence on Tuesday that Israel is making efforts to minimize civilian casualties in its attacks on Gaza. This statement comes as the rising civilian death toll in Gaza has sparked protests from humanitarian groups and human rights activists. John Kirby, the National Security Council's Strategic Communications Coordinator, stated that the U.S. is aware that thousands of civilians have been killed and injured in Gaza and that infrastructure has been damaged due to the bombardment of the area. Kirby continued that the killing of civilians is not a military objective of Israel. He said, 'I do not deny that this is happening; of course, it is tragic, but the goal of Israeli forces is not to drive out and deliberately kill innocent civilians, and they have tried to minimize harm to civilians.' As Hamas is designated as a 'terrorist' group, humanitarian groups, activists, and some lawmakers have increasingly called on the White House to support a ceasefire in Gaza, while some have criticized the U.S. support for Israel's response to Hamas's terrorist attacks that resulted in the deaths of 1,400 Israelis. U.S. officials have also stated that they are considering a 'humanitarian pause' to allow more aid into Gaza, but have argued that a ceasefire would allow Hamas to strengthen its position. The U.S., European Union, Japan, and Israel have designated the Hamas militia, which is supported by the Islamic Republic, as a terrorist group.