US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has told his staff that he recognizes the strain the war between Israel and Hamas is causing them, as press reports talk about disagreements that have arisen between some of them over undivided support for the US points to the Jewish state.

State Department official Josh Paul resigned due to “political disagreements over the continued provision of (US) lethal aid to Israel,” explaining that he “fears we are repeating the mistakes we have made in recent decades.”

However, Blinken’s letter to all State Department employees is not a response to reports that some of them feel disappointed by the American attitude.

“I know that for many of you this period is difficult not only on a professional level, but also on a personal level,” the American minister says in the letter.

The US, he continues, mourns the loss of “every innocent human life in this conflict.”

“For this reason President Biden has clearly stated (…) that even if we fully support Israel’s right to defend itself, the manner in which it does so is important,” added Blinken, speaking of “respect for the rule of law and international humanitarian norms”.

“Let’s make sure to preserve and expand the space for debate and different opinions, which improves our policies and our institution,” he called. “A difficult period awaits us. The risk of further unrest and conflict is real.”

Blinken sent the letter Thursday night, a day after returning from a trip to Israel and Arab countries.

This week the Huffington Post reported in an article that State Department officials are unhappy with US policy regarding the Israel-Hamas war, with one saying a “mutiny” is being prepared.