Washington - The United States on Saturday urged restraint from Israel in its military operations in the Gaza Strip, but simultaneously offered sharp criticism of Hamas, the organization effectively governing the salient. White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe, according to CNN, said Israel needs to avoid civilian deaths in its operations against Hamas.
But, in the same statement, Johndroe also lambasted Hamas for its attacks on Israel and its support for terrorism.
Bush, who is vacationing at his Texas ranch, does not intend to make a public statement on the Israeli operations, CNN reported.
Israel launched attacks into the Gaza Strip on Saturday after inhabitants there had relaunched missile strikes into Israel after a ceasefire expired December 19.
