As Israel intensifies its attacks on Gaza, the State Department is advising diplomats working on Middle East issues to refrain from making public statements implying the U.S. wants to reduce violence, according to internal emails viewed by HuffPost.
In messages circulated on Friday, State Department staff wrote that senior officials prefer that press materials avoid three specific phrases: “de-escalation/ceasefire,” “end to violence/bloodshed” and “restoring calm.”
The disclosure reveals the Biden administration’s hesitancy to advocate for Israeli restraint as the close U.S. ally expands its offensive after Hamas ― the governing authority in Gaza ― launched attacks on Israeli communities on Oct. 7.
The emails were sent shortly after Israel informed over 1.1 million residents of northern Gaza that they should evacuate their homes and seek shelter due to an anticipated ground invasion of the region. On Thursday, the United Nations said Israel had given Gazans a 24-hour deadline to relocate to the southern part of the strip, warning of dire humanitarian consequences if such a movement didn’t occur.
When asked about Israel’s evacuation order on Friday, U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby declined to reject or endorse it, describing it as a difficult demand.
“We’re being cautious in second-guessing the tactics employed by the [Israel Defense Forces],” he added. “What I can tell you is we comprehend their intention. They are attempting to protect civilians from harm by providing advanced warning.”
When contacted for a comment on the directive, a State Department official stated that they would not comment on internal communications.
U.S. officials have emphasized their expectation that Israel will follow the laws of war during its operation against Hamas. However, they have refrained from discussing a ceasefire, even as humanitarian organizations and some analysts argue that it may be crucial for allowing civilians to flee Gaza and ensuring essential supplies can reach the area after Israel cut off its electricity and water supply, which the strip heavily relies on. Earlier this week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken deleted and replaced a post on X where he mentioned Turkey’s appeal for a ceasefire.
Israel’s military operation in Gaza has resulted in nearly 1,800 fatalities so far, as reported by the Gazan Health Ministry Follow Google News
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