The U.S. is extremely concerned that an Israeli operation in southern Gaza would lead to significantly more civilian casualties.

The Biden administration is increasingly concerned that an upcoming Israeli offensive in southern Gaza will result in thousands more Palestinian civilian casualties, derail further hostage releases and interrupt the expanding flow of humanitarian aid,

The U.S. is asking Israel to take greater care to protect civilians and limit damage to infrastructure in any offensive in southern Gaza, senior U.S. officials said, in what amounts to a more forthright approach to protecting Palestinians.

The United States is urging Israel to narrow the zone of combat and clarify where Palestinian civilians can seek safety during any Israeli operation in southern Gaza, U.S. officials said on Wednesday,