“Failure to do that will create a generation of Palestinians that really will continue to resist cooperating with Israel in the future. So you’re actually increasing the numbers of insurgents … if you fail to do that,” Austin said.
“It’s a strategic imperative in my view.”
Hamas-led fighters rampaged through Israeli towns on Oct 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and capturing around 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
Israel’s subsequent bombardment of Gaza has killed more than 42,500 Palestinians, with another 10,000 unconfirmed dead thought to lie under the rubble, Gaza health authorities say.
