Thousands of civilian casualties and desperate humanitarian conditions stirred an extraordinary level of criticism in his own administration. The administration's support for the Israeli military operation appears for many "far too much of a one-sided position for the US government" - Ms Abercrombie-Winstanley signed dissent cables during her career and has been consulted by current employees about whether they should do so now. These memos feel like they have a "broader reach" than others, she said.