Protecting Palestinian civilians in Gaza is “both a moral responsibility and strategic imperative”, US defence secretary Lloyd Austin has said.
He said he had “repeatedly” made this clear to Israel’s leaders.
“In this kind of a fight, the centre of gravity is the civilian population. And if you drive them into the arms of the enemy, you replace a tactical victory with a strategic defeat.”
They were Mr Austin’s strongest remarks yet on the need for Israel to protect civilians.
But on the ceasefire’s breakdown he blamed Hamas for failing to meet conditions on hostages and for an attack in Jerusalem.
Mr Austin said Washington was working diplomatically to restore the truce
“We’re going to continue to work with Israel and Egypt and Qatar on efforts to re-implement the pause,” he told a news conference.
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