US Refuses to Condemn Israeli Airstrikes That Killed Palestinian Children

At least 65 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, including 15 children

Unsurprisingly, Biden administration officials have failed to condemn Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that killed Palestinian children. As of Wednesday night in Gaza, at least 65 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli airstrikes in the latest violence, including 15 children.

State Department spokesman Ned Price was asked on Tuesday if he would condemn the killing of Palestinian children after viewing pictures of the aftermath of the Israeli airstrikes. “The loss of innocent life is something that we would — that is deeply regrettable. It is — of course, Israel has the right to defend itself against those attacking Israel, against Hamas and terrorists responsible,” Price said.

According to eyewitnesses, Israeli airstrikes on Monday targeted a crowded neighborhood in Gaza. Among the slain were two siblings, ages seven and eleven, who were killed while playing in the street.

While the Biden administration refuses to condemn or even mildly criticize the Israeli killing of Palestinian children, it has been quick to denounce rocket attacks out of the besieged Gaza Strip, which has been under blockade since 2007.

“The president’s support for Israel’s security, for its legitimate right to defend itself and its people, is fundamental and will never waiver,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Tuesday. “We condemn ongoing rocket attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups, including against Jerusalem.”

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with his Israeli counterpart Meir Ben-Shabbat on Tuesday. According to a readout of the call, Sullivan “conveyed the President’s unwavering support for Israel’s security and for its legitimate right to defend itself and its people.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken also spoke with his Israeli counterpart on Tuesday and called for both sides to “de-escalate tensions.” But Israel is vowing further escalations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Israel will step up the “might and frequency” of the attacks on Gaza.

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.