White House confirms Biden’s clear stance on Rafah Invasion in conversation with Netanyahu.
The Biden administration has taken a stance that it will not support Israel’s operation in Rafah without a solid action plan in place to protect civilians there.
President Joe Biden recently spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the growing concerns surrounding a potential Israeli invasion of Rafah, a city near the Gaza border.
The specific details of their discussion regarding Rafah were not disclosed in the readout. However, the Biden administration has firmly stated that it will not endorse Israel’s operation in Rafah without a comprehensive plan to safeguard civilian lives in the region.
Furthermore, they discussed plans to increase humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, including preparations to open new northern crossings starting that week.
“The President emphasized the importance of continuing and enhancing this progress in close coordination with humanitarian organizations,” the White House announcement read.
‘Biggest Catastrophe in Palestinian People’s History’
This plea comes as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged the United States to intervene and prevent Israel from invading Rafah, highlighting the vulnerable situation of the majority of Gaza’s population seeking refuge in the city.
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“We urge the United States of America to intervene and prevent Israel from carrying out the Rafah attack. America holds the power to stop Israel from committing this grave act,” he emphasized at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh.
Warning of a potential catastrophic outcome, Mr. Abbas expressed concerns about Israel’s planned attack on Rafah in the coming days, anticipating it to be a monumental tragedy in Palestinian history.
Israel has been signaling its intent to launch a full-scale assault on Rafah for some time now, intensifying airstrikes in the region with the objective of eliminating Hamas’s remaining strongholds.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan indicated that the U.S. has been engaging with Israel to advocate for an alternative approach in addressing the threat posed by Hamas in Rafah and ensuring Israel’s long-term security.
Earlier, Mr. Sullivan conducted the Strategic Consultative Group meeting with senior Israeli officials to express Washington’s reservations about Israel’s actions in Rafah.
Following Hamas’s deadly attack on Israel resulting in casualties and abductions, Israel responded with a ground offensive in Gaza, resulting in a significant loss of life, as reported by the Hamas health department.
Efforts are ongoing to secure the release of remaining hostages as the U.S. works towards a ceasefire arrangement to facilitate their safe return after a previous temporary truce in November 2023.
“Our objective is to work together with U.S. support, but we are ready to act independently if needed,” Mr. Netanyahu conveyed, emphasizing Israel’s plans for civilian evacuation strategies.
Israeli officials reportedly made it clear to an Egyptian delegation that a truce must be negotiated with Hamas before Israel launches a full-scale operation in Rafah, indicating a sense of urgency and intent.
An Israeli source mentioned, “The situation is grave, and we are prepared for action. This may be our final opportunity before entering Rafah,” highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Reuters contributed to this report.
