State Department Spokeswoman: There's More That Israel Can do to Hold Themselves to Their Own Standards
On Sunday, the United States and the United Nations used the strongest language yet in condemning the strike on a U.N.-run shelter in Gaza, with Washington calling the attack "disgraceful."
State Department Spokeswoman Jen Psaki released the statement saying:
"The United States is appalled by today's disgraceful shelling outside an UNRWA school in Rafah sheltering some 3,000 displaced persons, in which at least ten more Palestinian civilians were tragically killed ... We once again stress that Israel must do more to meet its own standards and avoid civilian casualties. The suspicion that militants are operating nearby does not justify strikes that put at risk the lives of so many innocent civilians."
The school was being used as a shelter for about 3,000 people.
On "New Day" Monday, Chris Cuomo asked Psaki if the condemnation means anything if the State Department won't take action to stop the practices of Israel.
CUOMO: When you use the harsh words, they seem kind of empty because the U.S. supports Israel, almost unconditionally, you know why they’re doing this – you know they’re going to keep doing it, so why even come out with a statement like that that kind of injures Israel, but you’re not really going to do anything to stop the practice?
PSAKI: Well, Chris, with all due respect, I think you are oversimplifying the issue here. The issue here is that Israel, we believe they have the right to defend themselves, and we understand that they can't, the people of Israel can't be waking up every day with terrorists coming in through tunnels threatening their lives and threatening the health of their people. But at the same time as they're defending themselves, there's more that can be done to prevent attacks that are impacting civilians in Gaza. This is something that we see in war zones around the world. This is not an ask or a standard that is uncommon, that a country like the United States or a country like Israel should hold itself to.
WATCH:
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Do you think the State Department is doing enough to limit civilian deaths and help end fighting between Israel and Hamas?
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RELATED: Cease-fire declared in Gaza, violations reported
Southern California Flooding and Mudslides
San Bernardino County was the site of dangerous flash flooding on Sunday that left one person dead.
The heavy rain and steep terrain resulted in mudslides that blocked roads and trapped residents.
The threat of rain is diminishing for the region.
Indra Petersons explores how the canyon can enhance dangerous flooding.
RELATED: Mudslides trap Southern California town, stranding thousands
"Morning Minute" with Michaela Pereira – August 4, 2014
Need to get today's top stories on-the-go? Watch Michaela Pereira's morning minute now!
2nd American Battling Ebola Virus to Arrive in Atlanta for Treatment
A second American suffering from Ebola is expected to arrive in Atlanta on Tuesday from Liberia, where she contracted the deadly virus.
Missionary Nancy Writebol will travel aboard an air ambulance equipped with an isolation unit. It will land at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, and from there she'll be rushed to Atlanta's Emory University Hospital about 20 miles away.
Writebol will be the last of two Americans stricken with the disease while aiding Ebola victims in West Africa. Ebola has killed more than 700 people in three nations: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Their evacuation to Atlanta marks the first time anyone infected with the virus has been known to get treatment in the United States.
Both patients will be treated at an isolation unit where precautions are in place to prevent it from spreading, unit supervisor Dr. Bruce Ribner said.
The first evacuee - American Dr. Kent Brantly - was making progress since he arrived in Atlanta from Liberia on Saturday, a U.S. official said.
"It's encouraging that he seems to be improving," Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told CBS' "Face the Nation."
"That is really important, and we are hoping he will continue to improve."
Brantly, 33, is the first known patient with the deadly virus to be treated on U.S. soil. He landed at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Georgia and was quickly rushed to Atlanta's Emory University Hospital.
Phoenix Air says its highly specialized air ambulance, equipped with an isolation unit, departed Georgia for Liberia on Sunday evening to pick up Writebol. The flight is scheduled to land in Georgia on Tuesday.
Both Brantly and Writebol became sick while caring for Ebola patients in Liberia, one of three West African nations hit by an outbreak.
See the latest on "New Day" at 6am ET.
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