"Unreported Gaza Death Toll: US Official Raises Concerns"

A senior Biden administration official, Barbara Leaf, has stated that the death toll of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip is likely much higher than the reported number of 10,000 by the health ministry. Leaf argued that the ministry does not differentiate between civilians and Hamas combatants in its death toll, and that the true number of casualties is difficult to assess due to the ongoing conflict and conditions of war. Leaf defended President Biden's decision to hold back on pressuring Israel for a cease-fire, instead pushing for humanitarian or tactical pauses to allow for the recovery of hostages and the entry of aid. Leaf and another official also confirmed that Hamas has violated international humanitarian law, committing war crimes and genocide.