“This is why the cease-fire is so important,” Jarrett said in an interview aired Sunday on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” “It’s a devastating situation. Israel absolutely has the right to defend itself, and we are Israel’s staunchest ally. But you also can’t condone the killing of all of these innocent children.”

President Barack Obama, she said, was concerned and frustrated by the ongoing violence despite efforts by Secretary of State John Kerry to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.

“I think everyone involved is frustrated,” Jarrett said. “But you can’t let your frustration get in the way of trying to be a constructive player here, and that’s what [Obama’s] determined to do.”