DOD Addresses Conflict Between Hamas/Israel, Says Hamas Using Civilians As Human Shields

"Hamas has said repeatedly that they will continue to do these type of Oct. 7 attacks until Israel is eliminated".

Department of Defense: As Israel defends itself against ongoing attacks by Hamas, defense officials continue to underscore the importance of following the law of war, said the Pentagon press secretary.

"We're having conversations with them about the importance of taking the law of war into account and ... in our discussions with them, we believe that they are taking it into account," said Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder during a briefing today.

The general also said that regular discussions between U.S. defense officials and Israeli leaders emphasize the importance of recognizing all innocent civilian lives and working to ensure the innocent are protected.

"The secretary and other DOD officials are having conversations [daily] with our Israeli counterparts about the situation in Israel and again the importance of protecting innocent lives and taking Palestinians and others into account as they conduct their operations," Ryder said.

"We truly want a scenario here where both innocent Palestinians and innocent Israelis can live together peacefully [and] securely."

Nevertheless, he said, Hamas continues to put everybody into danger. As the conflict in the Middle East continues, challenges continue to be posed by Hamas, including how it has embedded itself into civilian populations in Gaza.

Ryder: We Know Hamas Is Integrating Operations To Use Civilians as Human Shields: