US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken acknowledged the emotional impact that the war between Israel and Hamas had on his employees, amid media reports that a disobedience was being planned within the ministry in protest against Washington's handling of this conflict.

In a letter to all his ministry employees on Thursday night, Blinken referred to the “difficult” circumstances affecting the American diplomatic corps, some of whose members feel the “waves of fear and fanaticism” generated by the conflict.

American officials, led by President Joe Biden and Blinken, pledged steadfast support for Israel, as they publicly blessed Israel's retaliatory response to the sudden and bloody attack by Hamas on October 7, which included a sustained bombing campaign on the densely populated Strip.

At least one US State Department official announced his resignation in protest against the Biden administration's approach to dealing with the crisis. Josh Paul explained on LinkedIn that his resignation was due to “a policy disagreement regarding our continued lethal aid to Israel.”

An informed source confirmed that Blinken's message was not a response to reports of frustration and rebellion within the ministry.

In his message, Blinken spoke about his recent trip to the Middle East, which included his travel between Israel and many Arab countries.

The message included, "I know that for many of you this time was not only a challenge on a professional level, but also on a personal level." Adding that the United States mourns the loss of "every innocent life in this conflict."

He continued, "For this reason, President Biden (...) made it clear that while we fully support Israel's right to defend itself, how it does so is important," noting the need to respect "international humanitarian standards."

“Let us also make sure we preserve and expand the space for debate and dissent that makes our policies and our institution better,” Blinken wrote. “We have a difficult road ahead of us,” he warned. “The risk of further unrest and conflict is real.”

This week, the Huffington Post reported that State Department employees are dissatisfied with US policy on the conflict in the Middle East, with one reporting to the site about a “disobedience” being planned at the department.