In a significant shift in U.S. policy towards the ongoing conflict in Gaza, President Joe Biden announced that the United States will not supply Israel with certain weapons and artillery shells if its military invades the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. With over 1 million people sheltering in Rafah, Biden’s decision aims to prevent further civilian casualties in the region.
Biden made it clear that while the U.S. remains committed to ensuring Israel’s security, the administration will not provide historical weapons used in dealing with Rafah if Israel launches a ground offensive in the city. The President also criticized Israel for using 2,000-pound bombs that have killed Palestinian civilians, leading to the halt of a planned shipment of offensive weapons last week.
The pause on the arms shipment has caused tensions between the U.S. and Israel, with some Israeli officials suggesting that the move was politically motivated. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel’s military will enter Rafah with or without a deal with Hamas, insisting that the city be walled off from any potential cease-fire agreement.
In response to Netanyahu’s stance, U.S. officials have confirmed that the Israeli government refused to agree to a cease-fire deal unless military operations in Rafah could continue. However, an Israeli official has denied this characterization, indicating differing perspectives on the negotiations.
Despite these challenges, Biden has reiterated his opposition to the offensive in Rafah in discussions with Netanyahu. The President also mentioned working with Arab states to rebuild Gaza and transition towards a two-state solution. Arab leaders have expressed readiness to help govern and maintain security in Gaza, while emphasizing the importance of a non-corrupt Palestinian Authority in the region.
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