Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley warned Israel on Monday about the dangers of escalating the conflict with the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas beyond the borders of Gaza, stressing that "no one has an interest in continuing the fighting." During a flight to Brussels to participate in a meeting of NATO military chiefs, Milley stated to reporters, "No one denies Israel's right to defend itself." However, Milley added, "There are civilians being killed and children being killed," while the United States expressed its objection to a draft statement from the UN Security Council calling for "a halt to the violence" between Israelis and Palestinians.
On Monday, Israeli strikes on Gaza continued after a week during which 200 Palestinians were killed in Gaza, while Hamas continued to launch rockets at Israel. Milley continued, "Israel is trying to defend itself," adding, "The level of violence there has reached a point that continuing the fighting serves no one’s interests." When asked about potential Iranian involvement in supporting Hamas, Milley noted that "this level of violence destabilizes beyond the borders of Gaza." He added, "Whatever the military objectives may be, the consequences must be taken into account." He stated, "In my opinion, all parties involved need to contain the escalation at this stage." Since the hostilities began on May 10, 200 Palestinians in Gaza have been reported killed, including 59 children, and more than 1,300 people wounded, according to Palestinian figures. On the Israeli side, ten people have been killed, including a child, and 294 have been injured due to rockets fired from Gaza.
