US Ambassador Decries Israeli Strikes on Civilians in Gaza, Calls for “Fundamental Changes” in Military Operations

The United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, delivered a stark rebuke of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, accusing its forces of striking schools, humanitarian workers, and civilians in what she described as “preventable” attacks, The Associated Press reports.

The statement marks a growing sign of American frustration with its close ally as the conflict in Gaza nears its first anniversary.

Thomas-Greenfield’s remarks came during a UN Security Council meeting, where she specifically cited recent strikes that injured or killed UN personnel and humanitarian workers, including the deadly attack on a former school serving as a UNRWA civilian shelter. This incident resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people, including six UNRWA staff members, women, and children.

Israel has maintained that its strikes target Hamas militants, who often hide among civilians, and has accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields.

While acknowledging that Hamas operates from civilian areas, the US Ambassador stressed the need for Israel to prioritize the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers. She demanded “fundamental changes” in Israel’s military operations, including revisions to rules of engagement and procedures to ensure military operations do not target schools and other civilian facilities.

The US Ambassador also expressed “outrage” at the death of Turkish-American activist Aysenur Eygi, who was shot and killed during a protest in the West Bank last week. While Israeli forces claimed Eygi was likely killed by mistake, Thomas-Greenfield stressed that the IDF “knows well how to ensure that incidents such as these do not happen.”

The US has also demanded an end to Israeli forces opening fire on clearly marked UN vehicles, an incident that has occurred multiple times recently.

The statement comes as the war in Gaza continues with no clear end in sight. T

While the US continues to work with mediators Egypt and Qatar to secure a cease-fire and hostage release agreement, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield outlined the need for “political will” and difficult compromises from both sides.

The Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, is set to travel to Egypt this week to discuss refining a proposal to present to both Israel and Hamas.