US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized on Wednesday that Israel must carefully weigh the consequences of its military actions on civilian lives, particularly in light of the recent offensive on Rafah. Blinken's comments come in the wake of a deadly Israeli strike that resulted in the deaths of numerous displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza.
Blinken urged Israel to evaluate whether the tactical gains made against Hamas justify the unintended and tragic loss of civilian lives that often accompanies military operations. He highlighted the importance of considering the long-term sustainability of these gains, especially in the absence of a comprehensive plan for the future of Gaza post-conflict.