The US has been Israel's staunchest ally when it comes to the war on Hamas. But as the civilian death toll in Gaza has spiralled, Washington has come to look increasingly isolated as international pressure has grown for a fresh ceasefire.
The White House has been clear that Israel has a right to defend itself following the 7 October attack by Hamas inside Israel that killed 1,200 and saw 240 people taken hostage into Gaza. Israel has been bombarding the territory from the air, as well as using ground military operations and a blockade that has left supplies of food, water, fuel and medical supplies running low. But the US stance has definitely shifted some – even if that core point has remained – in the wake of Israel extending ground operations into southern Gaza after a week-long truce ended last month. Health officials in Hamas-run Gaza say the death toll in the besieged Strip is nearly 20,000, with the UN laying out the horrific conditions residents face.
