Washington expressed "deep sorrow" over the deaths of Palestinians in an Israeli airstrike on Sunday in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, and confirmed that it awaits the results of the Israeli military investigation, calling for it to be "quick and transparent." State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters, "We will closely follow the results of this investigation," emphasizing that the United States will continue to "insist that Israel comply fully with international humanitarian law, reduce the impact of its operations on civilians, and increase the flow of humanitarian aid to those in need."
The US State Department noted that there is a significant amount of responsibility on Hamas, which continues to hide among civilians, following the strike that targeted the Al-Salam camp in the Mawasi area of Rafah, resulting in dozens of deaths. Miller stated, "We've seen Israel take steps to try to minimize harm to civilians," adding that Israel has a considerable responsibility to take further steps to lessen the suffering of civilians.
He added that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is tragic, warning that children will pay the price for suffering during this conflict for years to come.
No Genocide in Gaza
The State Department stated, "We do not see Israel committing genocide in Gaza." He also remarked, "The Israeli government knows where safe areas are in Gaza."
Moreover, Miller said that Washington opposes any threats against International Criminal Court staff, noting that reports regarding Israeli espionage and pressure on the ICC have not been verified. Reports indicated that the former head of the Mossad, Yossi Cohen, threatened the former prosecutor of the court in a series of secret meetings, during which he attempted to pressure her to abandon the investigation into war crimes, according to the British newspaper "The Guardian."
