Biden Announces Potential Halting of Weapons Shipments to Israel in Event of Gaza City Invasion
President Joe Biden has issued a stern warning to Israel, stating that the US would cease supplying certain weapons if Israel were to invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
If Israeli forces launch a full-scale assault on the city, which is the last major Hamas stronghold in the besieged enclave, President Biden stated that “we’re not going to supply the weapons and artillery shells used, that have been used”.
In an interview with CNN, President Biden acknowledged that US weapons supplied to Israel have resulted in civilian casualties in Gaza during the ongoing offensive aimed at defeating Hamas.
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IDF launches another Rafah operation
This follows his decision last week to halt a shipment of heavy 2,000lb bombs to Israel due to concerns about a possible attack on Rafah, after receiving both public and private warnings.
“Civilians in Gaza have been killed as a result of those bombs and other tactics used in targeting population centers,” President Biden told CNN.
“I have made it clear that if they enter Rafah – which they have not done yet – if they do, I will not provide the weapons historically used to address the issue in Rafah or other cities.”
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the delay in weapons shipment earlier on Wednesday, stating that the US had paused “one shipment of high payload munitions”.
“We will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure that Israel has the capability to defend itself,” Mr Austin stated.
“However, we are currently reassessing some imminent security assistance shipments in light of the evolving situation in Rafah.”
Israel conducted military operations in Rafah earlier this week described as “targeted strikes”.
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Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house in Rafah. Pic: Reuters
Palestinians wait to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen in Rafah. Pic: Reuters
Mounting death toll
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, nearly 34,800 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed in Gaza thus far. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
The conflict began when Hamas launched an attack on Israel on 7 October, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and the abduction of around 250 individuals, with 133 reportedly still in captivity according to Israeli reports.
Palestinians flee Rafah on a donkey-drawn cart. Pic: Reuters
US will continue to provide defensive systems
President Biden assured CNN that the US will still supply defensive systems to Israel, including support for its Iron Dome defense system.
“We will ensure Israel’s security in terms of Iron Dome and their ability to counter recent attacks from the Middle East,” he stated.
“However, it is unacceptable. We will not supply the weapons and artillery shells.”
As the Biden administration prepares to issue a formal judgment this week, the first of its kind, on whether Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and limitations on humanitarian aid deliveries breach international and US laws.
If a ruling is made against Israel, President Biden will face increased pressure to restrict the provision of weapons and funding to the Israeli military.
