The White House has reached out to Israel for additional details regarding the recent airstrike on a United Nations-run school in central Gaza, which resulted in the reported deaths of at least 40 individuals. The Biden administration has emphasized that it lacks independent verification of the incident and is actively engaging with Israeli authorities to gain a clearer understanding of the situation.
According to National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, Israel has the right to target Hamas, but the manner in which such operations are conducted is crucial. Kirby highlighted the importance of minimizing civilian casualties, noting that Hamas often uses civilian facilities for shelter and tunnels for covert activities.
An analysis revealed that the airstrike on the UN school involved a weapon manufactured in the United States. The Israeli military has defended its actions, with Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stating that intelligence indicated Hamas fighters were operating from within the school's classrooms during the October 7 attack.
Earlier statements from Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Peter Lerner had indicated a lack of awareness regarding civilian casualties resulting from the airstrike. The evolving situation underscores the complexities of the conflict in Gaza and the challenges associated with distinguishing combatants from non-combatants in densely populated areas.
The White House's efforts to gather more information reflect a commitment to understanding the circumstances surrounding the airstrike and its impact on civilians. As the situation continues to unfold, diplomatic dialogues between the United States and Israel are crucial in addressing the complexities of the conflict and working towards a peaceful resolution.
