The Pentagon said that Israel's protection of civilians in Gaza is not only a moral duty, but also a "strategic necessity."

This came in statements by Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder, in response to a question whether Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin agrees with President Joe Biden's statement that "Israel is losing support because of its indiscriminate bombing in Gaza."

Ryder said that his country's support for Israel's right to self-defense is "steadfast."

He pointed out that US continues to hope that Israel will carry out its operations in accordance with the law of armed conflict.

He stressed that Israel "not only has a moral responsibility to protect civilians in Gaza, but this also constitutes a strategic necessity."

On the other hand, Ryder explained that since October 17, American bases in Syria and Iraq have been subjected to 92 attacks by drones and missile strikes by groups supported by Iran.