U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced today that the United States is working towards resolving the conflict in a way that preserves civilian lives and prevents Hamas from rearming itself. He added, "Israel must adhere to the rules of international humanitarian law, and Israeli leaders are aware of this." This statement follows Washington's announcement on Saturday that it has approved the sale of approximately 14,000 tank shells to Israel. He emphasized, "There is ultimately no military solution except through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state."
Miller informed journalists that U.S. Special Envoy David Satterfield held meetings earlier this week with the Israelis and urged them to make more efforts regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the health ministry has reported that 18,205 people have been killed and 49,645 injured in the Israeli strikes on the Palestinian territory since the onset of the war about two months ago. He noted that "Israel urgently needs tank ammunition, but that does not diminish its obligation to operate within the framework of full compliance with international humanitarian law."
He stated, "1,200 Americans and legal residents and their families have left Gaza so far," expressing sorrow over images of naked men: "Washington finds the images presented of residents of Gaza who are naked to be extremely distressing."
