Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his determination to launch a ground invasion of Rafah, Gaza’s southern city, despite objections from U.S. President Joe Biden.
Netanyahu emphasized his resolve during discussions with lawmakers, affirming, “that we are determined to complete the elimination of these battalions in Rafah, and there’s no way to do that except by going in on the ground.”
Following talks between the two leaders, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan expressed U.S. reservations, labeling a potential assault on Rafah as a “mistake” and suggesting alternative strategies for Israel to achieve its military objectives.
Netanyahu acknowledged the U.S. stance and indicated a willingness to consider proposals aimed at safeguarding civilian lives in Rafah.
However, he underscored the necessity of a ground offensive to accomplish the goal of dismantling Hamas, stating, “We have a debate with the Americans over the need to enter Rafah, not over the need to eliminate Hamas.”
Rafah, positioned along the Egyptian border, is identified by Israeli officials as Hamas’ principal stronghold in Gaza.
The city has become a sanctuary for approximately 1.5 million displaced Palestinians, constituting over half of Gaza’s population.
The White House reiterated its stance, asserting that any Rafah operation must include credible measures to ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians.
President Biden urged Netanyahu to dispatch a high-level delegation comprising military, intelligence, and humanitarian officials to Washington for extensive deliberations on the planned assault and to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The conflict erupted when Hamas militants breached into Israel on October 7, resulting in casualties and hostage-taking.
Israeli retaliation has led to significant loss of life, with Palestinian health authorities confirming nearly 32,000 fatalities and many more feared buried under debris.
Recent events, including an Israeli airstrike on a key intersection that claimed 30 lives, underscore the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The United States has raised concerns over Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid entry into Gaza, warning that such actions may constitute a war crime.
Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, condemned Israel’s conduct, stating, “The extent of Israel’s continued restrictions on the entry of aid into Gaza, together with how it continues to conduct hostilities, may amount to the use of starvation as a method of war, which is a war crime.”
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