White House Urges Israel to Seek Alternatives to Assault on Rafah, Citing Civilian Concerns

As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, President Biden's administration has expressed concerns about Israel's potential assault on the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. The White House national security spokesman, John F. Kirby, emphasized that while the U.S. shares Israel's goal of eradicating the terrorist group Hamas, a direct assault on Rafah may not be the most effective approach.

Humanitarian Concerns

The densely populated city of Rafah is home to more than a million Palestinians, raising significant concerns about the potential for widespread civilian casualties in the event of a major operation. Since the beginning of the war, the local health authorities have reported a devastating death toll, with more than 34,000 people losing their lives in Gaza.

U.S. Stance on Arms Delivery

President Biden's reservations about the assault on Rafah have led to tangible actions, including a decision to pause the delivery of 3,500 bombs to Israel. This marks the first time the U.S. has leveraged its arms supply to influence the conduct of the ongoing conflict. Moreover, President Biden has also indicated that the withholding of artillery to Israel would be considered if the assault on Rafah proceeds.

President Biden's Warning

In an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett, President Biden explicitly stated his position, saying that the U.S. would not supply weapons historically used to address the challenges associated with an assault on Rafah. This statement underscores the seriousness of the U.S. stance and its commitment to preventing actions that could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.