The Biden administration, facing criticism for its role in Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, has emphasized that the scale of Israeli operations in northern Gaza should not be replicated in the south.

The US revised its stance just ahead of the end of a temporary truce as Israel resumed airstrikes across Gaza.

Concerns about further displacement in the south, home to an estimated two million people, led a senior Biden administration official to stress that Israel must conduct its campaign in a way that minimizes significant displacement and is deconflicted with humanitarian facilities.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken rejected forced displacement and urged Israel to avoid a repeat of civilian loss and displacement seen in northern Gaza.

While violence continues in Gaza, Israeli settlers have increased attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, prompting calls for accountability and a change in behavior from US officials.

Despite criticism, Washington is unlikely to reduce military aid to Israel.