In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, top American officials have raised concerns about the increasing civilian casualties. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated that Israel has acknowledged the importance of minimizing civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. The warnings from US officials come as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin cautioned Israel about the risk of "strategic defeat" if more measures are not taken to protect civilians.

During an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press," Kirby affirmed that Israel has expressed agreement with the US stance on reducing civilian casualties and minimizing damage to civilian infrastructure. He highlighted Israeli efforts, such as the use of evacuation zones and dropping leaflets to urge civilians to leave targeted areas before attacks.

Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking at the COP28 climate conference in the United Arab Emirates, emphasized the need for Israel to adhere to international humanitarian law. Harris expressed concern over the loss of innocent Palestinian lives, describing the images and videos coming from Gaza as devastating. The Vice President called for the respect of humanitarian norms and expressed the US's unequivocal stance on the matter.

The fighting between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel's southern border, resulting in the loss of 1,200 lives. In response, Israel initiated a siege of Gaza, resulting in more than 15,000 casualties and periodic disruptions to the flow of essential supplies. Hamas has continued to launch rockets into Israel despite the Israeli operation.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs raised concerns about the evacuation efforts. While Israel has published a map indicating evacuation zones, it has not specified where the approximately 2 million people in Gaza should evacuate to. The lack of access to electricity and recurrent telecommunications cuts also pose challenges for residents seeking information and guidance.

The US officials' warnings have evoked differing reactions. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) emphasized the importance of abiding by international humanitarian law, stating that defeating terrorists does not justify civilian casualties. However, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) argued that the US should not impose limitations on Israel's military tactics, as destroying Hamas is crucial for both Israel and the Palestinians. Republican Congressman Mike Turner acknowledged the US's concerns about the rising death toll and emphasized the need for Israel to do more to protect civilians.

As the conflict continues, it remains to be seen how Israel will address the US's calls to minimize civilian casualties and the extent to which international humanitarian law will be upheld. The ongoing clashes have drawn international attention and scrutiny, with efforts underway to reach a ceasefire and mitigate the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.