The World Health Organization warns the Gaza Strip faces “staggering health needs” with as many as 200,000 Palestinians requiring aid, following Israel’s 11-day bombardment of the besieged territory last month. Israel’s assault damaged about 30 health facilities, destroyed 1,800 residential units and damaged more than 14,000 other homes. The WHO is calling for unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza and for Israel to allow Palestinians to seek treatment outside Gaza whenever needed.

On Thursday, top Biden administration officials welcomed Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz to Washington, D.C., promising “ironclad” U.S. support for Israel despite growing international outrage over the widespread killing of civilians, including at least 66 children, during Israel’s assault on Gaza. Gantz met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and was welcomed to the Pentagon by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin: “I wanted to reiterate that the administration’s commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad. We are committed to maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge and ensuring that Israel can defend itself against regional threats such as those posed by Iran, its proxies and terrorist groups.”