"U.S. Defense Secretary Austin Urges Israel to Prioritize Civilian Safety in Gaza"

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Israeli officials to express concerns over the high number of Palestinian civilian casualties in Gaza and to urge Israel to transition from intense bombing to a more surgical ground operation. The United Nations Security Council is preparing for another vote on a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire. The Biden administration has reiterated its support for Israel's right to defend itself but emphasized the importance of protecting Palestinian civilians. Human Rights Watch accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war, while Pope Francis drew attention to the killing of unarmed civilians in Gaza.