US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has said Washington expected Israel to avoid attacking areas identified as “no-strike” zones in Gaza, Reuters reports.

He said the US had discussed with Israel how long the fight with Hamas should continue, but he declined to share that timeline.

A senior Israeli official said it was taking the time to order more precise evacuations in order to limit civilian casualties, but that Israel could not rule them out altogether.

“We did not start this war. We regret civilian casualties but when you want to face evil, you have to operate,” the official said.