"We do not believe what is happening in Gaza is a genocide,” says US

The United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on Monday that the Biden administration does not consider the ongoing violence in Gaza as genocide, despite the mass killings of Palestinians by Israel.

According to Sullivan, the White House acknowledged the plight of Palestinians who have been going through “hell” in the midst of deadly war while emphasising that Hamas must be defeated.

The US has warned that military operation in Rafah would be a mistake for Israel, he asserted.

"We do not believe what is happening in Gaza is a genocide. We have been firmly on record rejecting that proposition," Sullivan spoke to the journalists at the White House.

The state official expressed deep concern over the incidents of attacks on humanitarian aid convoy, en route to Erez Crossing in northern Gaza.

"It is a total outrage that there are people who are attacking and looting these conveys," Sullivan said. 

"It is completely and utterly unacceptable behavior," he added. 

As the elections near, US President Joe Biden is hoping for another term in office in the midst of widespread criticism over his lackadaisical policies on bloodshed in Gaza.  He is also trying to influence Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s aggressive approach.

However, Sullivan explained, “Israel is a sovereign, democratic nation that ultimately makes its own decisions.”

"The prime minister doesn't have to answer to us. He's got to answer to the Israeli people," he continued.

He called on Hamas to return to negotiations and make a deal on the release of hostages which would facilitate a ceasefire.  

During a Senate hearing in April, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated, “We don’t have any evidence of genocide being [committed]” by Israel in Gaza.

The United Nations reported on Monday that the death toll in Gaza had surpassed 35,000, with over 360,000 Palestinians fleeing Rafah amid Israeli promises to continue military operations within the city.