WASHINGTON, Jan 2 (Reuters) - Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas rocket attacks but must avoid civilian casualties, the White House said on Friday

"Israel has a right to defend itself from these rocket attacks," White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe told reporters. He said Washington wanted Israel to avoid civilian casualties and "to make sure that food and medical supplies reach the people of Gaza."

(Reporting by Jeremy Pelofsky and Paul Eckert)

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