We do not believe what is happening in Gaza is genocide but...: US
United States doesn't believe that Israeli actions in Gaza amount to "genocide" but wants Tel Aviv to do more to ensure the protection of innocent civilians, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on Monday (local time), as reported by CNN.
«We believe Israel can and must do more to ensure the protection and well-being of innocent civilians. We do not believe what is happening in Gaza is a genocide. We have been firmly on record rejecting that proposition,» Sullivan told reporters at the White House.
«We still believe it is — would be a mistake to launch a major military operation into the heart of Rafah that would put huge numbers of civilians at risk without a clear strategic gain,» he added.
Notably, top American officials have been offering stark warnings against an Israeli invasion of Rafah, predicting that a major ground offensive in the southern Gaza city would lead to «widespread civilian casualties, spark a Hamas insurgency, and create a power vacuum» the terror group would later seek to fill, as reported by CNN.
Speaking on a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, Sullivan said the negotiations continue «urgently» and that the administration remains «intent and determined» to help Israel and Hamas reach a deal and secure the release of hostages.
«I can't predict when and if that will happen. I can tell you that we remain committed to pressing the diplomacy to achieve that outcome,» he said. «We will now have to see how
