US President Joe Biden has pledged to continue to provide Israel with weapons, ammunition, and all that it needs during the ground operation carried out by the Israeli army in Gaza.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said that Biden was briefed on the developments by the national security team and the intelligence officials.

Kirby, at a news briefing on Friday, did not comment on the Israeli expanded ground operation. But he said Washington supported Israel’s right to defend itself.

“We’re not drawing red lines for Israel,” he said .

Kirby noted that consultations are ongoing with Israel and the US has expressed concerns about the civilians amid the ground operation in the Gaza Strip.

Vice President Kamala Harris met with the families of the hostages.

For his part, Kirby stressed that hostages remain a priority to the US Administration, and if releasing the hostages requires a humanitarian truce then the US would support it.

Kirby reiterated warnings about expanding the scope of the conflict, stressing that Washington does not seek conflict with Iran but would act to protect its soldiers.

The United States has carried out strikes on two facilities in eastern Syria in response to a recent series of attacks by Iranian-backed militias against American personnel and bases.

Kirby said, “We will not hesitate to take further actions in our own self-defense.”

He further warned of the escalating hate rhetoric against American Palestinians and Muslims, and the spread of Islamophobia in the US.