President Biden’s health secretary, Xavier Becerra, spoke with his Palestinian counterpart on Wednesday and offered his “deepest condolences” for the civilian deaths in Gaza.
The Department of Health and Human Services said Mr. Becerra and Mai al-Kaila, the health minister for the Palestinian Authority, focused on the hospital crisis in Gaza, which is being pummeled by Israeli forces in response to the Oct. 7 raids by Hamas terrorists.
Israeli forces say Hamas leaders are using the hospitals to house their operations, complicating their mission as the humanitarian situation worsens.
“Secretary Becerra offered his deepest condolences for the thousands of Palestinian lives lost in this conflict and reinforced the United States’ ongoing commitment to urgently respond to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” HHS said in a readout of the call. “Secretary Becerra also reiterated President Biden’s call for the protection of civilians.”
Last month, Mr. Becerra spoke to Israeli Health Minister Moshe Arbel to offer condolences over the Oct. 7 attack that killed 1,400 people in Israel and inquire about potential health needs in the Jewish nation.
The twin calls represent the fine line that Mr. Biden and his team must walk as they navigate the Middle East war.
The administration has repeatedly said that Israel has a right — and obligation — to respond to the terrorist raid. But it has implored Israel to conduct its military operations in accordance with international law.
Protesters, including young people vital to Mr. Biden’s electoral base, have protested over the worsening conditions in Gaza.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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