UPDATE - Pentagon opposes cease-fire in Israel-Palestine conflict, cites concerns over Hamas regrouping

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By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) — The Pentagon said on Thursday that it does not endorse a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas.

"We do not support a cease-fire in that that gives time for Hamas to regroup, which is something that would put Israeli citizens and others in danger," spokesman Pat Ryder said at a press briefing.

"I've heard however, the president say that the US government does support humanitarian pauses to enable humanitarian aid to get in, hostages to get out as well as other citizens," said the spokesman.

He noted that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's discussions with his counterparts include ensuring that Palestinian civilians in Gaz get humanitarian assistance, whether that be water fuel, or medical aid.

"That continues to be something that we continue to emphasize regularly," he added.

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden endorsed the idea of a humanitarian "pause" in Gaza, a concept that falls short of the growing chorus of calls for a full cease-fire to halt the hostilities amid the rising death toll in Gaza.

According to US officials, a cease-fire will only benefit Hamas, who is fighting against the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military has expanded its air and ground attacks in Gaza, which has been under relentless airstrikes since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7 that killed more than 1,400 Israelis.

Nearly 10,600 people have since been killed in the conflict, including at least 9,061 Palestinians.

Basic supplies are running low for the 2.3 million residents in Gaza due to Israel's "full siege," in addition to the large number of casualties and displacements.