In response to a devastating Israeli military strike in Rafah that claimed the lives of 45 Palestinians, the Biden Administration has urged Israel to rigorously protect civilian lives during its operations. This strike, which targeted Hamas leaders but also caused significant civilian casualties, has intensified scrutiny and criticism of US military support for Israel.

A spokesperson from the National Security Council emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas but stressed the importance of safeguarding non-combatants. “Israel has a right to go after Hamas, and we understand this strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists,” the spokesperson stated. “But as we’ve been clear, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians.”

The strike has sparked a wave of condemnation from Democratic lawmakers, with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez branding it “an indefensible atrocity” and urging President Biden to suspend military aid to Israel. Similarly, Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib have voiced their distress and criticism, with Tlaib labeling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “genocidal maniac.”

Amidst these tensions, recent polls show a growing discontent among Democratic voters with President Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has spilled over into campus protests and public demands for a ceasefire.