The White House conveyed that President Joe Biden does not think Israel failed to meet international humanitarian law in the Gaza conflict. This stance was reported by a Russian news service, citing remarks attributed to John Kirby, the Strategic Communications Coordinator for the White House National Security Council.
During the briefing, reporters observed that Biden has repeatedly urged Israel to adhere to the laws of armed conflict. Kirby was asked whether this emphasis suggested that Biden was acting independently of or contrary to Israeli leadership.
“No,” responded a White House spokesperson.
In the events of 7 October, Hamas launched a large rocket assault into Israel, and a military operation named Al Aqsa Flood was declared. Across hours, thousands of militants breached Israeli borders, seizing military equipment and taking numerous hostages. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the nation was at war.
The Israeli Defense Forces launched an operation described as Iron Swords, with the objective of dismantling Hamas’ capabilities. The Israeli Air Force conducted strikes on hundreds of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, while the National Security Council decided to restrict the flow of water, food, essential goods, electricity, and fuel into Gaza as part of its security measures.
Observers note that a range of complex political factors and historical grievances have fueled the Palestinian-Israeli impasse, with shifting alliances and internal political calculations on both sides continuing to shape responses to the crisis.