Pentagon: US supports Israel while advocating for innocent lives

The United States remains committed to supporting Israel but regularly reminds its officials of the moral obligation to consider civilian safety during operations, said Pentagon Press Secretary Patrick Ryder.

This comment comes as tensions remain high in the region, with calls for a balanced approach to ensure the protection of innocent lives amidst military actions, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"We will continue to support Israel and its right to defend itself. We clearly communicate to our Israeli partners, both publicly and privately, the importance of not only strategic imperatives but also the moral duty to consider the safety of civilian populations in their operations," Ryder stressed.

Furthermore, he highlighted Washington's diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East.

"Current efforts are focused on the diplomatic aspect, reducing regional tensions, and importantly, achieving a ceasefire and the swift release of hostages," Ryder added.

Meanwhile, in the past 72 hours, Israeli military actions have led to the deaths of 119 Palestinians and injuries to 209 others in the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. 

This recent surge in violence has raised the total death toll to 41,391 since October 7, 2023. A total of 95,760 individuals have been injured since the beginning of the conflict. 

Additionally, many individuals remain trapped under rubble or on the roads, with rescuers currently unable to reach them. An ongoing blockade of Gaza has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine, leaving much of the region in ruins.

By Khagan Isayev