Pentagon statement backing Israel fails to mention Palestinians

In a statement describing a call between US defence secretary Lloyd Austin and his Israeli counterpart Benny Gantz on Saturday, the Pentagon chief reaffirmed support for what Washington calls "Israel's right to defend itself" while failing to mention Palestinians.

Austin "strongly condemned the continued onslaught of attacks by Hamas" and other "terrorist" groups targeting Israeli civilians, according to the Pentagon's statement.

The secretary's call echoes a similar one earlier on Saturday between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which came after Israel bombed a building housing the offices of several media outlets in Gaza, including the Associated Press and Middle East Eye.

The Biden administration's stance on the recent attacks on Palestinians by Israeli forces, including air strikes in Gaza, has been heavily criticised by rights groups, activists, and some members of US Congress.

"To read the statements from President Biden, Secretary [of State Antony] Blinken, General Austin and leaders of both parties, you'd hardly know Palestinians existed at all," said Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib on Thursday.