A debate on the war between Israel and Hamas is taking place in the United Nations Security Council in New York. It comes ahead of an expected vote on "humanitarian pauses" to allow aid to enter Gaza.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the session, telling leaders that Israel has an "obligation to defend itself," Sky News reports.
He said at least 33 American citizens died during the Hamas attack and called for the immediate release of all hostages.
He stressed that humanitarian pauses must be taken into account in the conflict, and the US is working with Egypt, Israel and the UN to build mechanisms to allow aid to reach civilians in Gaza.
Throughout the conflict, the US has warned other countries not to take advantage of the situation and "expand" the war.
Blinken reiterates this warning, saying, “The United States does not seek conflict with Iran. We don't want this war to escalate, but if Iran or its proxies attack American personnel anywhere, make no mistake, we will defend our people, we will defend our security swiftly and decisively."