As Israeli forces prepare for a ground offensive against Gaza, US President Joe Biden issued a stern warning to Israel against reoccupying the Hamas-ruled territory, his first significant public effort to restrain the nation following the deadly Hamas assault that killed over 1,400 people, including at least 30 Americans.

The incident, which occurred on October 7, 2023, was met with Bidens steadfast support for Israels right to self-defense. Despite declining to condemn Israels retaliatory operations in Gaza, which have raised fears among UN authorities about a humanitarian disaster, Biden warned against a full-scale occupation of the region.

The casualty toll in the Israel-Hamas conflict has risen significantly, surpassing 4,000 on Monday. According to Israeli authorities, more than 1,400 individuals were murdered in Hamas strikes, while the Gaza Health Ministry reported 2,670 Palestinians dead and 9,600 injured in Israeli missile fire and shelling.