US officials also continue to publicly condemn the high rate of civilian casualties resulting from the Israeli assault into Gaza. At press briefings, the White House has insisted that Israel has taken steps, at the US president’s behest, to limit those casualties even as the death toll continues to climb to staggering heights.

Israel will consider joining cease-fire talks with Hamas only when the militant group responds to the latest internationally mediated proposal for a temporary truce and hostage release, state-run Kan News reported.