White House seeks to restrain Israel in Gaza amid growing internal dissent

More than 500 appointees and staff members criticized Biden's unwavering support for Israel in letter demanding ceasefire

The Biden administration is increasingly seeking ways to restrain the Israeli military in an effort to slow the civilian toll and limit the risk of a wider conflict, while it faces a rising level of internal dissent over its Middle East policy.

In a letter presented to Biden and his cabinet on Tuesday, more than 500 political appointees and staff members from about 40 agencies across the administration criticised the extent of the president's support for Israel in its war in Gaza.