In an attempt to lessen civilian casualties and mitigate widespread conflict, the Biden administration is increasingly attempting to restrict the Israeli military’s actions. At the same time, internal division has been growing over the administration’s overall Middle East policy.
Visit New York Times to read more.
A group of over 500 political appointees and staff members from about 40 agencies across the administration voiced criticism of the president’s support for Israel in its war in Gaza. Despite denouncing the Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,400 Israelis, mostly civilians, the group is urging Biden to rein in Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, where the death toll now exceeds 11,000, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry.
“We call on President Biden to urgently demand a cease-fire,” the letter said, according to New York Times. “We’re listening: What you share is informing our policy and our messages,” Blinken said in a message to staff, in which he acknowledged: “I know that for many of you, the suffering caused by this crisis is taking a profound personal toll.”
Additionally, the secretary of state, Antony Blinken, and other officials say that the administration’s call for restraint, and emphasis on the need to limit the civilian death toll, have been regularly communicated to Israel. Furthermore, amidst US internal dissent, the US officials claim that their tougher stance is also a response to events on the ground.
