Biden administration demands answers from Israel over 'horrifying' Gaza strike

The United States has asked Israel for an explanation following a deadly strike in northern Gaza that left at least 93 Palestinians dead or missing, including many children, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

The strike, which hit a residential building in Beit Lahiya on Tuesday (October 29), also wounded dozens more, Gaza’s health ministry reported.

While Miller did not confirm the death toll, he described the incident as “horrifying” and said Washington wants to know “how you could have a result that produces, according to reports, dozens of children dead.”

The US has urged Israel to provide details about the strike, Miller said, adding that the tragedy showed the need for a ceasefire to end the ongoing conflict.

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“It is critically important… that Israel be mindful of achieving a larger strategic success,” Miller stated, noting that an end to the conflict would serve Israel’s interests in ensuring security and the safe return of hostages.

Miller stopped short of announcing any immediate actions against Israel, which relies on US military and diplomatic support

US govt’s stand on Israel’s UNRWA ban

Washington also expressed concern over Israeli legislation passed Monday (October 28) banning the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating in the country.

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The Biden administration has previously pressed Israel to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in a letter earlier this month warned Israel that the United States could withhold military assistance without improvements in humanitarian aid into Gaza within 30 days.

Blinken “made clear that we were opposed to the passage of this legislation, and he made clear that there could be legal and policy implications to the implementation of that legislation,” Miller said.

The State Department also reiterated its alarm over the Israeli parliament’s passage Monday of a law to ban the UN agency responsible for aiding Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, a step that defied appeals by Western nations.

With inputs from agencies