The United States is increasing pressure on Israel to minimize Civilian casualties in Gaza, urging its ally to shift towards a "lower intensity" approach against Hamas. 

President Joe Biden emphasized the need for Israel to focus on saving civilian lives while continuing to target Hamas. This comes as National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the war cabinet on transitioning to more targeted military operations in Gaza.

Sullivan and Netanyahu explored objectives, phases, and conditions for moving from high-intensity operations to lower-intensity surgical actions against Hamas remnants. While the White House stated that Sullivan discussed the possibility of transitioning to "lower-intensity operations" soon, no specific timeframe was provided. 

The Biden administration aims to see an end to the conflict promptly, placing responsibility on Hamas to cease hostilities.

White House spokesman John Kirby emphasized the potential for a shift in Israel's military campaign, noting the ongoing discussions about its next phase. Sullivan's visit to Israel, which includes meetings with top officials, reveals growing divisions between Biden and Netanyahu regarding the death toll in Gaza and the war's duration.

Biden's recent criticism of Israel's "indiscriminate bombing" and Netanyahu's insistence on continuing the war until Hamas is eradicated highlight the differing perspectives. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen pledged to persist in the fight, irrespective of international support. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant suggested that the war might extend for more than several months.

The conflict has resulted in a significant death toll in Gaza, with Palestinian officials reporting over 18,787 casualties, including more than 7,700 children. Israeli officials claim that 1,147 people, mainly civilians, were killed in Hamas's October 7 attacks on southern Israel. The United Nations General Assembly recently passed a nonbinding resolution, supported by 153 countries, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. However, the U.S. was among the 10 nations voting against it.

Initial Hardline Support for Israel:

At the beginning of the Israel-Palestine conflict, the U.S., under President Joe Biden, took a robust stance in support of Israel.

This included urging Israel to defend itself against attacks from Hamas and expressing solidarity with its right to protect its citizens.

Emphasis on Israel's Security:

The initial U.S. position focused on Israel's security concerns, acknowledging its right to conduct military operations against Hamas.

The narrative primarily centered on Israel's right to self-defense without significant emphasis on the potential impact on civilian populations in Gaza.

Recent Softening of Tone:

A noticeable shift has occurred in the U.S. stance, with President Biden expressing concern for civilian lives in Gaza.

The emphasis now is on urging Israel to exercise caution and minimize Civilian Casualties while maintaining its military campaign against Hamas.

Diplomatic Nuances:

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan's visit to Israel signifies a diplomatic approach, engaging in discussions with Israeli leaders on transitioning to more targeted military operations.

The nuanced discussions include setting objectives, phasing, and conditions for a shift from high-intensity operations to lower-intensity, surgical actions.

Balancing Security and Humanitarian Concerns:

The evolving U.S. position reflects an attempt to strike a balance between supporting Israel's security needs and expressing concerns about the humanitarian impact on civilians in Gaza.

President Biden's call for Israel to be "more careful" indicates a diplomatic recalibration in the face of growing international attention to civilian casualties.

Divergence from Initial Rhetoric:

The recent comments by President Biden mark a departure from the earlier rhetoric that primarily focused on Israel's right to self-defense without explicit considerations for civilian casualties.

The shift suggests an acknowledgment of the complexity of the situation and a recognition of the human cost involved.

International Pressure and UN Resolution:

The adoption of a nonbinding resolution by the United Nations General Assembly, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, indicates a broader international concern for civilian lives.

The U.S., along with 10 other nations, voting against the resolution, underscores a nuanced approach that aligns with Israel's security needs while also recognizing the importance of addressing humanitarian issues.

Future Diplomatic Landscape:

The evolving U.S. stance opens the door for potential diplomatic developments, with the focus shifting towards finding a resolution that considers both security imperatives and the protection of civilian lives.

The coming days may see further adjustments in the U.S. position as diplomatic efforts intensify to navigate the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)