US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said that more than 25,000 women and children had been killed by Israel since October 7, adding that Israel can and should do more to protect civilians.

According to Reuters, during a congressional hearing, Austin was asked how many Palestinian women and children had been killed by Israel and Austin replied: “It is over 25,000.”

Austin added that about 21,000 precision-guided munitions had been provided to Israel since the start of its bombardment in Gaza.