(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin on Friday expressed disappointment at the end of the cease-fire in Gaza and said he expects Israel to take better care so that innocent civilians are not harmed.
“We’re begging them – everyone from the president, the pope, you name it – begging them to be more careful in rooting out Hamas not to have innocent victims. That, I think, is the way for them to maintain credibility and respect,” Durbin, the senior senator from Illinois, told reporters.
Over the past week, Israel had paused most military activity in Gaza and freed 300 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of more than 100 hostages held by militants. Israel says 115 adult men, 20 women and two children are still held captive.
The Israel-Hamas war erupted after Hamas militants launched a deadly incursion into Israel Oct. 7. The Biden Administration's support of Israel has caused turmoil at home, with advocates for Palestinians saying Israel is punishing the wider populace, including children.
Durbin reiterated that Israel has the right to defend itself and go after Hamas.
Contributing: Associated Press
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