U.S. Expresses Frustration Over Lack of Notice from Israel Regarding Syria Strike
U.S. Response: Frustration and Concern
According to anonymous U.S. officials speaking to The Washington Post, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin raised concerns with his Israeli counterpart regarding the lack of prior notification from Israel about a strike on an Iranian site in Syria. The Pentagon perceives this action as heightening risks for American forces in the Middle East. Additionally, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commented on the significant destruction observed by a U.N. team during their visit to Khan Younis following the withdrawal of Israeli troops, describing it as beyond imagination.
Key Points to Note:
– The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has advised government employees and their families to stay within designated areas due to threats from Iran following a strike in Syria that resulted in the deaths of seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members.
– Israel has not publicly taken responsibility for the attack.
– General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, was reportedly in Israel on Thursday, according to a Pentagon spokesperson. This visit comes as both countries collaborate to prepare for potential retaliatory actions from Iran.
Hamas stated the need for “time and safety” to gather information on hostages held in Gaza amid ongoing negotiations with Israel over a cease-fire and hostage release. According to Hamas official Basem Naim, the hostages are scattered among different groups, and some may have perished in the rubble alongside civilians.
Meanwhile, Israel announced the commencement of constructing a new crossing to facilitate aid delivery to northern Gaza in response to mounting international pressure. However, doubts have been raised by humanitarian officials regarding Israel’s commitment to opening the existing Erez crossing for aid, as it has predominantly served pedestrian traffic.
According to Malta’s U.N. envoy and current council president Vanessa Frazier, there was “no consensus” reached at a U.N. Security Council committee meeting regarding the Palestinian Authority’s bid to become a full member of the United Nations. However, Frazier noted that the majority of the council expressed a clear inclination to advance the process toward membership.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that since the beginning of the conflict, at least 33,545 individuals have been killed and 76,094 injured in Gaza. The ministry’s figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants, stating that the majority of the casualties are women and children.
Israel’s assessment indicates that approximately 1,200 individuals, including over 300 soldiers, were killed in Hamas’s attack on October 7th. Additionally, Israel reports that 260 soldiers have lost their lives since the commencement of its military operation in Gaza.
Source : Washingtonpost