According to Press TV, Jake Sullivan, the US National Security Advisor, has restated the unwavering support of Washington for Israel and its right to self-defense against retaliatory rocket attacks from Gaza. Sullivan held a discussion with Tzachi Hanegbi, his Israeli counterpart, on May 11 regarding the situation in Gaza and the exchange of fire between Palestinian resistance groups and Israeli authorities.
In a statement issued by the White House, Sullivan emphasized the US government's strong backing for Israel's security and its right to protect its people from indiscriminate rocket attacks. He also highlighted the ongoing regional efforts to broker a ceasefire and stressed the need to de-escalate tensions and prevent further loss of life.
The statement expressing the United States' support for Israel was released three hours after the Israeli military targeted a building in the Hamad residential city near Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of three Palestinians, including a high-ranking commander of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement.
Since Tuesday, Israeli forces have conducted a series of airstrikes on targets in the occupied Gaza Strip, leading to the deaths of at least 25 Palestinians and causing injuries to numerous others. The international community has condemned Israel's ongoing attacks, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging an immediate halt to the bloodshed against Palestinians.
On May 10, various Palestinian resistance groups responded to the Israeli assault by launching several missiles into Israeli territory, including illegal settlement outposts. Israeli government reports state that over 800 rockets were fired at the country.
Furthermore, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reiterated his sustained support for Israel's security and advocated for de-escalation and a return to a peaceful state. During a call with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, on May 10, Austin was provided with a summary of Israeli operations in Gaza, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder.
Additionally, the United States prevented Chinese efforts to condemn Israeli attacks on Gaza at the UN Security Council. This interference was reportedly requested by Tel Aviv, as they feared the motion would equate the Israeli army with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) resistance group during the emergency meeting on Tuesday.
In December, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed support for ending the Israeli occupation of Palestine and voiced frustration over the historical injustice suffered by Palestinians.
On May 11, Israeli authorities announced their refusal to cease the military's targeted attacks and rejected the Palestinian ceasefire terms. An unnamed senior Israeli defense official stated that Israel had not committed to halting the targeted killings of terrorist elements.