Efforts to Curb Civilian Deaths in Israel-Hamas War and Discuss Future of Gaza

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Israeli officials in Tel Aviv, expressing the Biden administration's unwavering support for Israel while also urging the protection of civilians in Gaza and the provision of more humanitarian assistance. The Israeli military announced the discovery of a cache of weapons and money in a senior Hamas official's home. The Gaza Health Ministry reported a death toll of over 19,000 Palestinians since the conflict began, with four more Israeli troops killed, bringing the military death toll to 127. The White House expressed concern over Israeli strikes against the Lebanese army, and Human Rights Watch accused Israel of deliberately starving Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Hamas called on the UN and international organizations to protect health facilities in Gaza.