State Department Says Israel Has Right to ‘Protect Itself’ After Israel’s Gaza Airstrikes Kill 10 Civilians

Following Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that killed at least 10 civilians, including four children, the State Department said it supports Israel’s right to “protect itself.”

Israel began targeting the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, the initial round of airstrikes killed 15 people, including four children, six other civilians, and three members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

“We are closely following Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip that killed three leaders of Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Israel has the right to protect itself and its people from indiscriminate rocket attacks launched by terrorist groups,” a State Department spokesperson told Antiwar.com in an email on Wednesday.

“We are also aware of reports that 10 civilians were tragically killed in the Israeli strikes. We call for all parties to deescalate the situation,” the spokesperson added.